Prospective Australian opening batter Will Pucovski has been removed from international calculations once more, this time by him electing to take an indefinite break from cricket.
Having struggled with his mental health and concurrent concussion problems, Pucovski had played last year’s Sheffield Shield final and the national selectors hoped for him to have a sustained run of matches.
But after scores of 0, 9 and 37 in two Shield matches so far this summer, the 24-year-old Pucovski has asked to pull back from cricket, with no date set for his return.
Will Pucovski in the SCG nets just prior to his only Test match appearance to date, in January 2021.Credit:James Brickwood
Cricket Victoria’s general manager of cricket, Graham Manou, said that Pucovski’s welfare had to be the top priority for the time being, ahead of cricket.
“Player welfare is always our top priority,” he said. “We’ll continue to work with Will to ensure he gets the support and space he needs and welcome him back when he’s ready.”
Cast very much in the mould of a red-ball specialist, Pucovski played one Test for Australia against India at the SCG in January 2021 and does not have a Big Bash League contract.
Earlier this year, Pucovski made it clear that selection chief George Bailey viewed him as a long-term option for Australia, easing any anxiousness about rushing back to play.
“I’d like to say that if I am playing Shield cricket for Victoria, and I’ve put my name up, I’m ready to go. If I’m doing well and put performances on the board then I can’t see why I wouldn’t be in line to be selected [for Australia],” Pucovski had said.
“But that’s in the selectors’ minds as to what they want to do. I had a chat to George Bailey around when I was pulled out of that initial Ashes squad and he just said, ‘Just make sure you get yourself right, we want you as a long-term player for Australia’, which was pretty awesome to hear to be honest.
“You get pretty worried that, with the injuries, people are maybe going to give up on you. But to hear that from him was great. So as soon as I’m back playing Victoria, I’m ready to play for Australia if selected.”
Pucovski has worked with several experts around his concussions and also his mental health, including the noted mind coach Emma Murray, who has also been a key figure with the Richmond AFL club.
More to come
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