UPDATE: CHANNEL Nine cricket host Mark Nicholas is back on TV after spending Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test resting.

Nicholas was rushed to hospital from the MCG on Monday in dramatic scenes after paramedics arrived at the broadcast booths in the Olympic Stand with a stretcher just after lunch.

The 59-year-old was suffering from abdominal pains and wasn’t on air at the time, but witnesses say he was sweating profusely and clearly in pain.

media_camera Channel 9 commentators Mark Nicholas, Shane Warne and Mark Taylor.

His condition improved and he was released from hospital later that night.

He was keen to return to his commentating duties on Tuesday, but he was given a day off instead.

“His bosses have insisted on a day’s rest,” a Nine spokeswoman said.

“He has again thanked everyone for their good wishes and support.”

LISTEN: Eliza Sewell and Ben Horne discuss all the action from the opening day of the Boxing Day Test with both sides looking to put a stamp on the match.

The drama came after Victoria’s favourite former Test captain Bill Lawry returned to the box, opening the Boxing Day Test for Channel 9.

The 79-year-old broadcaster and cricket legend is calling for the first time this summer at his home Test in what has become a traditional cameo appearance.

“To sit in a commentary box for the first ball of a Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, well, I reckon that’s like being king,” he told the Australian this month.

Lawry shared mic time with Mark Taylor and showed he still has great passion for the game, lamenting the decision review system, even though a Younis Khan review showed the Josh Hazelwood ball was missing leg stump and the batsman was reprieved.

“I’m not sure about this DRS,” Lawry said.

“You have this magical moment of the wicket falling and two minutes later he’s not out.”

Lawry later admitted it was a good challenge.