NEW DELHI: Ricky Ponting, the ex-Australia captain, had a health scare on Friday because of a heart problem, and was taken to hospital.
The incident happened while he was doing commentary on the third day of the 1st Test between Australia and West Indies in Perth, according to media reports.
Ponting reportedly left the stadium around lunchtime after feeling unwell.
The 47-year-old, who is part of the Seven Network's commentary team for Australia's two-Test home series against West Indies, told colleagues he was feeling alright but went to hospital as a precaution.
"Ricky Ponting is unwell and will not be providing commentary for the remainder of today's coverage," a spokesperson for broadcaster Channel 7 said in a statement to Australian media.
"It’s not yet known if Ponting will return to commentate on Saturday, or the remainder of the Test."
Australia captain Pat Cummins wished Ponting well following the third day's play.
"We were just chatting to him this morning out on the field," Cummins told reporters. "By all reports it sounds like he's going OK, but anything like that is obviously super scary so I wish him the best."
Ponting, who retired from international cricket in 2012, played 168 Tests for Australia and is one of cricket's most successful captains with 48 victories in 77 Tests. He scored 13.378 runs at an average of 51.85, with 41 tons and 62 fifties in Tests.
In 375 ODIs, he scored 13,704 runs at an average of 42.03, with 30 centuries and 82 fifties.
In 17 T20Is, he made 401 runs at an average of 28.64 and scored two fifties.
He was a part of Australian team that won three straight 50-over World Cups in 1999, 2003 and 2007, leading the side to triumphs in later two tournaments as skipper.
Since retiring, he has coached the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.
It has been a difficult couple of years for Australian cricket as far as heart health is concerned. This year, the game lost two of the biggest legends to wear Australian colours, Rod Marsh and Shane Warne in March.
Dean Jones, another Australian batter also suddenly passed away due to a heart attack in September 2020.
(With inputs from Agencies)
