Will Pucovski set to return in time for Sheffield Shield opener

Victoria coach Chris Rogers has revealed when Will Pucovski will return from a shoulder injury, and the news will have cricket fans salivating.

Victoria coach Chris Rogers has revealed when Will Pucovski will return to action. Picture: David Gray / AFP

The Ashes preparation for Test opener Will Pucovski should include five Sheffield Shield matches with the young gun on track for a September return from a serious shoulder operation.

Pucovski, who damaged his shoulder in his Test debut against India the SCG in January, should also be ready to play the one-off Test against Afghanistan in November after a positive prognosis from Victorian coach Chris Rogers.

The 23-year-old, who earned a national call-up after back-to-back double hundreds for the Vics last summer, had full reconstructive surgery in February.

Rogers was confident Pucovski would be ready to play in the Shield opener on the last weekend in September and push his Ashes case.

“(There’s) A long way to go,” Rogers told RSN radio.

“Shoulder injuries can take so long, and this one was the surgery.

“He’s just doing some basic stuff, but he’s targeted the first Shield game, so that’s excellent for us.

“For a player like him, I don’t think he’ll need a lot of time to get back into the groove of things.

Pucovski injured his shoulder during his Test debut against India in January this year. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

“So yes, come time in September, he’ll be ready to go. We’ll get him in to face the bowlers in the nets. Hopefully, that first Shield game, he’s playing.

“I think if he gets a good run, we’ll see him playing in the Ashes.”

Victoria kicks off their Sheffield Shield season with a match against the NSW Blues on September 29, and Rogers believes the domestic season is the perfect time for aspiring players to firmly place themselves in the window for making the Ashes squad.

“The great thing is there’s enough games,” Rogers said.

“If you’re good enough, you’ll find a way.

“Over the length of six games, you think that the cream would rise to the top, and hopefully we’ll see a number of Victorian players put their hand up for Australia.”

Australia will hope to retain the Ashes for yet another series, with England last holding it at the start of the 2017/18 instalment.

The 2021/22 Ashes series begins with the First Test at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 8

Pucovski performed admirably with the bat in his maiden Test innings. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

Originally published as Will Pucovski set to return in time for Sheffield Shield opener