Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting rushed to hospital after feeling unwell during commentary

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, one of the most successful leaders the game has seen, was rushed to hospital after he felt unwell in Perth during his commentary duties in the opening Test between Australia and the West Indies on Friday (2).

According to media reports, the 47-year-old Ponting was at the Optus Stadium for his commentary duties when he felt unwell and was taken to hospital during the lunch time as a precautionary measure to check on his heart.

"Australia's team doctor, Leigh Golding, drove Ponting to hospital to be examined after the 47-year-old complained of feeling dizzy," The Sydney Morning Herald said in a report.

The former cricketer left the commentary box at the stroke of lunch after being in the broadcasting for 40 minutes.

Former Australia coach Justin Langer accompanied him to the hospital.

Ponting, who led Australia to two World Cup wins the 50-over format, did not return for the rest of the day.

"Ricky Ponting is unwell and will not be providing commentary for the remainder of today's coverage," a Seven spokesperson said, according to the report.

The report said Ponting was feeling "fine" after the check-up.

Ponting has played 168 Tests, scoring 13,378 runs at an average of 51.85, with 41 hundreds and 62 half-centuries. In 375 one-day internationals, he scored 13,704 runs with 30 hundreds and 82 fifties.

He also played 17 T20Is, making 401 runs and scored two fifties.

Two Australian legends, Rod Marsh and Shane Warne had passed away this year, while another Australian batter Dean Jones had died of a heart attack in September 2020.

[With PTI inputs]