‘This virus could kill her’ – Former New Zealand pacer Iain O’Brien concerned about his wife’s well-being in the UK

Former New Zealand fast bowler Iain O’Brien couldn’t stop worrying about the well being of his wife, Rosie, and kids, Zain and Alethea, who are in the United Kingdom (UK). The coronavirus cases in the UK have exceeded 6,650 with the death tolls surging up to 335. The 43-year-old O’Brien was in New Zealand to deal with some of his mental health issues.

O’Brien said that his better-half has a lung condition and the COVID-19 can account for her life. On Tuesday, March 24, his flight from Wellington was cancelled, but he understands that the others are also facing the same troubles. The retired speedster O’Brien now wishes to reach UK at the earliest and take some stress off her loved one.

It’s going to make stuff really tight: Iain O’Brien

“The big bit for me is my wife has a lung condition where if she gets any sort of chest infection it can take time off her life,” O’Brien was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.

“This virus could kill her. With a couple of kids for her to deal with, and her mum is 80, there’s a fair bit on her plate at the moment. I would be kind of keen to take some of that stress off her but I think I’m just adding to it at the moment,” O’Brien stated.

Prior to this, two of his other flights from Wellington were also cancelled. It was his first visit to New Zealand in five years and midway through the trip, the coronavirus pandemic brought the hassles.

“I’m lucky I’ve been able to buy three flights to try to get back, even though none of them have worked out. At least I could do that,” he said.

“It’s going to make stuff really tight, but I can’t complain. There are people in tougher situations than this. It’s just my wife that’s the worry. I want to get back, get through that two weeks (self-isolation), and then start helping out,” he added.

Iain O’Brien played for the Black Caps from 2005 to 2009. In 22 Tests, 10 ODIs and four T20Is, he could manage 73, 14 and six wickets respectively.