Cricket presenter Mark Nicholas will take leave from Channel Nine after being taken to hospital twice in three days.
Nicholas was taken by ambulance to hospital again on Wednesday, following a recurrence of abdominal pains he experienced on the first day of the Boxing Day Test.
Nicholas was working on Channel Nine’s coverage of the Australia v Pakistan Test at the Melbourne cricket ground on both days, but was not on air at the time.
Channel Nine issued a short statement on Thursday morning, confirming Nicholas would take leave to focus on his health.
“Mark is taking leave to resolve his health issues,” a spokeswoman said. “He wants to thank everyone again for their kind wishes and continued support.”
The former England A captain was stretchered out of Channel Nine’s broadcasting facilities after lunch on Monday, and rushed to hospital. He was discharged from hospital later that night, and was said to be in good spirits.
He wanted to return to work on Tuesday, but Channel Nine told him to take a day of rest.
Nicholas returned to Channel Nine’s coverage on Wednesday, the third day of the test, but became ill again during the final session. He was taken by ambulance to Epworth hospital, again suffering abdominal pains.
The third and final Test of the series begins in Sydney next week.
