Popular Cricket Podcast Host Hospitalised in Cape Town During Proteas-Australia Test
- A familiar voice in Australian cricket coverage was missing from the daily Test match recap, prompting concern among loyal listeners
- The popular podcast team explained why its usual post-match coverage was interrupted during the Cape Town showdown
- The hospitalisation came as South Africa and Australia battled for control of a closely contested series decider
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Australian cricket podcast host Ian Higgins was hospitalised in Cape Town after suffering a severe bout of gastroenteritis during the third Test between South Africa and Australia at Newlands on Thursday, 29 October 2026.
Higgins, popularly known as Higgos, is one of the hosts of The Grade Cricketer, a widely followed Australian cricket podcast. His hospitalisation forced the team to miss its usual daily review of the third day's action, raising concerns among regular listeners.
The podcast's official account addressed the situation in a post on X, explaining why it hadn't published the familiar post-match discussion.
"No daily review today following a serious medical emergency involving Higgos (he's okay)," the statement read.
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Ian Higgins hospitalised after illness at Newlands
The Grade Cricketer provided further details about the incident, saying Higgins had experienced a serious bout of viral gastroenteritis.
"He suffered a severe bout of viral gastroenteritis this afternoon, requiring paramedic assistance, an ambulance transfer from Newlands and hospital treatment," the podcast explained.
The update reassured listeners that Higgins was okay, although it did not provide further details about his condition or recovery timeline.
See the post below:
South Africa and Australia battle in third Test
The incident unfolded as the two countries contested the decisive Test in Cape Town.
South Africa resumed the fourth day with a 40-run lead and six wickets remaining. Ryan Rickelton subsequently scored 101 before being run out, while Wiaan Mulder helped the Proteas strengthen their position.
Australia later dismissed Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer, leaving South Africa eight wickets down for 344 runs and 245 runs ahead. The match remained finely balanced, with both teams chasing an important series victory.
Higgins' hospitalisation also interrupted a daily podcast routine that had become popular among Australian cricket supporters during the Test series.
7NEWS subsequently reported that Higgins had improved and was discharged from hospital that evening. The podcast also thanked the paramedics, Newlands medical team and staff at Kingsway Hospital for their assistance. This provides a more reassuring update on his condition.
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Source: Briefly News
