Former Australian batting legend and skipper Ricky Ponting got hospitalised due his heart complications on Day 3 of the Australia vs West Indies match. Reports suggest that Ponting was commenting for Channel 7 during day 3 of the 1st Test between Australia and West Indies at Perth. Then, he was taken to the hospital during lunch hours.
Ponting reportedly had a heart scare, but no definite information on his condition has been made public. After being on the show for 40 minutes, the 47-year-old stepped out of Seven’s commentary booth at the stroke of noon without requiring any help. He was driven to the hospital as a precaution while being escorted there by his close friend and former Australia coach Justin Langer. He left for the remainder of the day but it is believed he told coworkers he was OK at the hospital.
“Ricky Ponting is unwell and will not be providing commentary for the remainder of today’s coverage,” a Seven spokesperson said, according to the SMH report.
Australian cricket has been not good with the health of their players in the past few years. In 2022’s March, Rod Marsh and Shane Warne passed away. Dean Jones too left the word this September. Ryan Campbell, former Australian wicketkeeper and Netherlands coach had experienced a cardiac arrest in April for which he almost died.
Ponting is one of the best players from Australia. He represented Australia in 168 tests, mustering 13,378 runs at an average of 51.85. He smashed 41 tons and 62 half-centuries.
In a total of 375 ODIs, he mustered 13,704 runs at an average of 42.03 with 30 tons and 82 half-centuries. In 17 T20Is, he mustered 401 runs at an average of 26.68 piling two fifties. He was a part of the Australian team that bagged the World Cup (50 overs) in 1999, 2003, and 2007.
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