Mark Nicholas rushed to hospital from Boxing Day Test

Former Hampshire cricketer and Channel Nine commentator, Mark Nicholas, was taken to hospital from the stadium during the first day of the second Test match between Australia and Pakistan in Melbourne.

Shortly after lunch break, Mark Nicholas was rushed by paramedics from the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Former Hampshire cricketer and Channel Nine commentator, Mark Nicholas, was taken to hospital from the stadium during the first day of the second Test match between Australia and Pakistan in Melbourne.

Shortly after lunch break, Nicholas was rushed by paramedics from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where the Boxing Day Test is being held. A Channel Nine spokeswoman told The Guardian that Nicholas had been experiencing abdominal pains. "During a break today, Mark Nicholas had some abdominal pains," she said. "He has gone to hospital for appropriate checks."

Fellow commentator Michael Slater confirmed the news during the tea break without adding further details of Nicholas's condition.

“Normally Mark Nicholas would be sitting here at this time of the day,” Slater said. “Just to let you know, he’s fallen ill with abdominal pains and he’s been taken to hospital for testing. I’m aware it is out there online, so we will keep you up-to-date with the latest news when we receive it. So we wish him well.”

According to reports, Nicholas was sweating profusely and visibly struggling, and was taken from Channel Nine's broadcasting box on a stretcher.

Channel Nine spokeswoman issued an update around 6.30p.m. She said: “Mark is doing much better this evening and is in good spirits. He wants to thank the MCG staff for all of their help, and the Channel Nine viewers and cricket community for their good wishes.”