Cricket legend Darren Lehmann sends Aussies a warning after horror health scare almost killed him aged 50

Darren Lehmann has encouraged members of the public to be more aware of their health and has urged Aussies to attend a six-week rehabilitation programme.

In 2020, the former Australia Test cricketer and coach underwent triple-bypass surgery after suffering a heart attack on his 50th birthday.

Lehmann has subsequently given up smoking having previously revealed that he had smoked around 20 cigarettes a day for nearly 30 years.

The former Australia head coach, who stepped down from his role with the international side in 2018 in the wake of the infamous Sandpapergate ball-tampering scandal, has now credited the medical care and a rehabilitation program he has undergone since he became ill for his recovery.

‘I learned more about my body, what it needs to be better, than I had in the previous 50 years,’ he told 7News.

The six-week course at Brisbane’s St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside focuses on helping patients improve their lifestyle, complete exercise and receive tailored medication.

The former Australia coach suffered the heart attack on his 50th birthday and underwent a triple-bypass operation

Lehmann displayed the scar he incurred following the life-saving hospital procedure   

The program is available in hospitals all around the country and added those who completed it have a ‘lower mortality, lower readmissions and are back to work six weeks earlier’.

Speaking on his heart attack, Lehmann, who made 27 Test appearances for Australia, said: ‘It was a shock because you think it can’t happen, to you especially at 50.’

Lehmann said his health scare forced him to learn more about his body than he had in his previous 50 years  

But having undergone the program, Lehmann has urged others to follow in his footsteps.

‘Get to the rehab program. If you’re going to have the operation or you’ve got heart problems.. when you get out the other side, go to the rehab program,’ he added.

Lehmann revealed had increased his fitness workload after suffering his heart attack.

‘When you’ve had a wake-up call like I did, you realise life is not all about wins and losses and the pressures of the game, there is a lot more to enjoying life,’ he said during in 2021.