Commentator rushed to hospital during Pakistan-Australia Test

Mark Nicholas complained of abdominal pains during day one of Boxing Day Test in Melbourne

MELBOURNE: Former Hampshire cricket captain and broadcaster Mark Nicholas was taken to hospital on Monday after falling ill with "abdominal pains" during the opening day of the second test between Australia and Pakistan in Melbourne.

Nicholas, a regular commentator for host broadcaster Channel Nine during the Australian summer of cricket, had been calling the game before he fell ill.

A Channel Nine spokeswoman quoted by The Guardian said 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.”

Nicholas’ co-commentator Michael Slater also wished him well during the rain-break.

"Just to let you know he's fallen ill today with abdominal pains and he's been taken to hospital for testing," said Slater. "We wish him well."

News Ltd media said a stretcher was sent to the broadcast facility at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and 59-year-old Nicholas was seen "visibly struggling and sweating profusely."

Pakistan were 142 for four at the end of day one as rain halted the match.