Channel Nine commentator Mark Nicholas has decided to take a break from the commentary box after the veteran commentator was rushed to the hospital twice in a period of three days. The first time, it was during the first day of the Boxing Day Test when the veteran was rushed to hospital before being discharged later that night. After taking a rest on the second day’s play, he came back in the box to commentate during third day’s play but during the last session of the day, an abdominal pain again forced authorities to take him to the hospital.

Nicholas interviewed the bowling great Wasim Akram during the tea break before falling ill again.

Channel Nine network has now said it officially that Nicholas will now take some time off and will be away from the commentary box to recover from his health issues, “Mark is taking leave to resolve his health issues,” a Nine spokesperson said.

“He wants to thank everyone again for their kind wishes and continued support.”

Nicholas, who played 377 First-class matches and 359 List A matches for Hampshire has been the face of Channel Nine from past many years. An articulate personality with a mic in his hand, Nicholas is often regarded as a successor of the former legend Richie Benaud in commentating.