Australia cricket legend Ricky Ponting has been taken to hospital after suffering a health scare during the first Test between Australia and West Indies.
Ponting, one of Australia’s greatest ever cricketers, was commentating on the Test match in Perth when he suffered what has been described as a ‘heart problem’.
The 47-year-old reportedly told his colleagues he was feeling ‘OK’ but was going to hospital for checks as he was concerned by some of the symptoms he was experiencing.
‘Ricky Ponting is unwell and will not be providing commentary for the remainder of today’s coverage,’ a Channel 7 spokesperson said.
‘It’s not yet known if Ponting will return to commentate on Saturday, or the remainder of the Test.’
He was accompanied to a car by his former Australia team-mate Justin Langer, who was in charge of the national team up until February this year.
Ponting was taken to Royal Perth hospital and was still under observation as play concluded between Australia and West Indies at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
An all-time great batter and a hugely successful captain, Ponting scored more than 27,000 runs and 71 centuries for Australia, becoming their most prolific run-scorer across a 17-year international career.
Under Ponting, Australia won the 2003 and 2007 World Cups and beat England in two Ashes series. He was also a member of Australia’s 1999 World Cup-winning squad.
Since retiring in 2012, Ponting has established himself as one of the game’s most respected commentators and enjoyed coaching stints with Australia and in the Indian Premier League.
Meanwhile, Australia are in full control of the opening Test against West Indies after piling on 598-4 declared and then skittling out the tourists for 283.
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