Ricky Ponting taken to hospital during the Australia Vs West Indies Test match after heart scare

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting was taken to hospital in Perth during the third day of the First Test between Australia and West Indies. Ponting was at Otus Stadium on Friday during his commentary at the Seven Network.

It’s been reported that Ponting suffered a heart scare, but it has not been confirmed about his condition to the public. 

The 47-year-old walked out of the commentary box on the stroke of lunch, having been on the broadcast for 40 minutes and did not need any assistance. Former Australian coach and his close friend Justin Langer took him to the hospital in his car. He did not return for the rest of the day but he told his colleagues that he is alright.

“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.”

Australian skipper Pat Cummins also wished him a speedy recovery after the completion of Day three of the First Test between Australia and the West Indies at Perth.

Anything like this is super scary- Pat Cummins

“I wish Ricky the best,” Pat Cummins said after play on day three. “We were just chatting to him this morning out on the field. By all reports, it sounds like he’s going okay. Anything like that is super scary, so we wish him the best.”

There is a great awareness of health issues around former cricketers after the recent death of Shane Warne which followed that of Dean Jones in 2020 and the cardiac episode suffered by Ryan Campbell.

In his captaincy career, the Australian legend won 168 Tests and 375 ODIs. Since retiring, he has coached the Mumbai and Delhi Franchise. Ponting has won three ODI World Cups in his career, two as captain (2003 and 2007) and one as a player (1999).  He has played Indian T20 League for Kolkata and Mumbai franchise as well.