ICON WORRY
England legend Sir Geoffrey Boycott rushed to hospital and ‘can’t eat or drink’ after setback in cancer surgery recovery
Icon considered to be one of nation's best-ever batsmen with incredible Test record
ENGLAND legend Sir Geoffrey Boycott has been rushed to hospital with pneumonia after suffering a setback in his recovery from cancer surgery.
The national cricket icon, 83, went under the knife this week after revealing he had been diagnosed with throat cancer for a second time.
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His family issued an update on social media, telling fans that Boycott had successfully undergone a three-hour operation.
However, a new statement on Sunday afternoon revealed that Boycott's health has now "taken a turn for the worse."
After returning home from his cancer surgery, the former batsman was struck down with pnuemonia.
He is "unable to eat or drink" as a result of the illness.
And Boycott is now back in hospital "on oxygen and a feeding tube."
The full statement from daughter Emma read: "Thank you all for the well wishes, we’ve been blown away by the sheer number of them!
"Unfortunately things have taken a turn for the worse and my Father has developed pneumonia and is unable to eat or drink so is back in hospital on oxygen and a feeding tube for the foreseeable."
Fans were quick to send their best wishes, with one saying: “Prayers for his speedy recovery, get well soon sir.”
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Another declared: “Best wishes, thinking of you all.”
One noted: “Sending love and best wishes.”
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Another added: “So sorry to hear this, wishing Sir Geoffrey a speedy recovery.”
The update on Boycott's health comes after he revealed his second cancer diagnosis at the start of July.
He said at the time: "In the last few weeks I have had an MRI Scan, CT Scan, a PET Scan and two biopsies and it has now been confirmed I have throat cancer and will require an operation.
"From past experience I realise that to overcome cancer a second time I will need excellent medical treatment and quite a bit of luck and even if the operation is successful every cancer patient knows they have to live with the possibility of it returning.
"So I will just get on with it and hope for the best."
On Wednesday, Boycott's family revealed he had been successfully treated during a lengthy operation.
Sir Geoffrey Boycott's legendary career
SIR Geoffrey Boycott is considered one of England's most successful opening batsmen of all time.
He made his international debut in a 1964 test match against Australia and enjoyed a near two-decade long international career.
Boycott was part of the 1979 England squad that came runner-up in the World Cup.
He made 108 Test match appearances before announcing his international retirement in 1982.
At club level, the batter played for Yorkshire from 1962–1986.
In retirement, Boycott moved into punditry and gained a reputation for critical analysis of players.
Daughter Emma said: “Just to let everyone know my Father, Geoffrey, has successfully come out of surgery this evening after a 3 hour operation to remove his throat cancer.
“Yet to see him but surgeon says it went well. He asked that I post an update.”
Boycott was first diagnosed with throat cancer in 2002 and underwent radiotherapy treatment.
After making a full recovery, he was given a standing ovation by cricket fans at Trent Bridge.
And Boycott was soon back in the commentary box with Channel Four, before making the move to BBC Radio Five Live.
As for his playing days, Yorkshire icon Boycott is widely considered to be one of the best opening batsmen in England’s history.
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The former club and country captain hit 22 centuries in 108 Test matches between 1962 and 1986.
And in 2019, Boycott received his knighthood for services to sport as part of Theresa May’s resignation honours.