Mark Nicholas taken back to hospital

Mark Nicholas, the Channel Nine commentator and ESPNcricinfo columnist, has been taken to hospital for a second time during the Boxing Day Test, only hours after he resumed his broadcasting duties following a similar episode on day one.

Once again in considerable pain, Nicholas was attended to by paramedics before being taken from the broadcast area. "Unfortunately Mark has taken ill again," a Channel Nine spokesperson said. "He has been transported back to hospital for further tests."

On the first day, Nicholas had complained of severe abdominal pain and been taken to hospital shortly after lunch, and spent most of the evening in hospital. He had rested through the second day before returning to duty on the third morning.

However the recurrence of the symptoms, whose origins have not been publicly released, have forced a return to treatment and further examination. It may also mean a longer period of convalescence this time around.

Earlier this summer, Nicholas released the book A Beautiful Game, reflecting on his time as a cricketer, writer and broadcaster on cricket.