Ricky Ponting returns to Channel Seven duty after health scare: "I'm back, shiny and new"

The former Australia captain was taken to hospital on day three of the West Indies Test in Perth after suffering from chest pains but made a quick return to the commentary box

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Ricky Ponting has made a full recovery after suffering a health scare while commentating during day three of the Australia v West Indies Test in Perth.

The 47-year-old was admitted to the hospital after having chest pains while on duty for broadcasters Channel Seven and was urged to seek medical attention by former teammate Justin Langer and head of cricket Chris Jones.

But just 18 hours later the former Australia captain was able to return to the commentary box for day four.

"I probably scared a lot of people yesterday and had a scary moment for myself," Ponting told Channel Seven.

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Justin Langer, the ex-Australia head coach and opening batter, urged Ponting to seek medical attention (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

"I was sitting in the comms box halfway through the stint and got a couple of really short and sharp pains to my chest.

"I tried to stretch it out and get rid of it, and probably didn't want to give too much away when I was on air.

"I had a couple of those incidents, got through the stint and went to walk to the back of the commentary box and got lightheaded and dizzy and grabbed the bench.

"I mentioned to JL on the way out, who was commentating with me, that I had had these pains in my chest and Chris Jones heard me and just reacted straight away and got me out of there. 

"Ten or 15 minutes later, I was in the hospital getting the best treatment that I possibly could.

"I feel great this morning, I am all shiny and new this morning."

It comes after a year in which Shane Warne and Rod Marsh both passed away following heart attacks, which also saw Ryan Campbell placed in an induced coma.

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Rod Marsh and Shane Warne (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

"I think the bottom line is, the fact that I was willing to share it with JL and the fact that your mate looks after you (is important)," Ponting added.

"I think as people of our age, we are a little reluctant to share much or talk about our health.

"I think that is a good learning curve for me yesterday, especially with what has happened in the last 12-18 months to really close people around us. 

"My little mate looked after me and got me down there and I'm back, shiny and new this morning."


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