Will Pucovski faces late fitness test to make Australia A side to play England Lions

Will Pucovski hasn’t played since a bizarre incident earlier this month in which he hit his head after his bat got caught in the turf, but is bidding to feature in Australia A’s match with England Lions.

Will Pucovski of Australia suffered his latest concussion in bizarre circumstance playing for CA XI on the Gold Coast.

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Will Pucovski remains in the frame to make his cricketing return for Australia A next week but faces a Wednesday cut-off to prove his fitness as he continues to recover from yet another concussion.

The young Victorian wasn’t picked for this week’s Sheffield Shield clash against NSW having suffered a head-knock playing for a CA XI on the Gold Coast on February 2.

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Pucovski, who has had long history of concussion, hasn’t played since the bizarre incident in which he hit his head after his bat got caught in the turf next to the drop-in pitch at Metricon Stadium.

Will Pucovski of Australia suffered his latest concussion in bizarre circumstance.

He didn’t return to training with the Vics when they hit the nets at the MCG on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old is being closely monitored by CA medical staff and will need to be passed fit when the Australia A squad comes together in Melbourne next Wednesday ahead of the four-day match against the English Lions at the MCG.

“We’re continuing to monitor Will’s progress and a phased approach to his return to training,” doctor Trefor James said.

Pucovski is one of the most exciting young talents in Australian cricket but has suffered a number of setbacks.

“As young players who have prior experience with concussion, it’s important that they are given as much time as required to fully recover.”

Fellow Victorian Sam Harper was back hitting balls in the nets on Wednesday, but only from throw downs, in his first hit after he also suffered a concussion in the Big Bash last month.

Harper also has a long history of concussions and while frustrated at being held back from batting for so long knows it’s necessary.

Victorian captain Peter Handscomb said the both the incidents suffered by his teammates were “a bit scary” but said their wellbeing was most important.

“We wait, they rest, then hopefully they available at some stage,” he said.

“They’ve had some tough times, but it’s just about them getting right again.

“It’s so unfortunate the two events for the boys. It’s a bit scary as well.

“We’ve seen in other sports what concussion can do to you after your career. Your brain is the most important thing. Everything we can do to look after players and their wellbeing is important.”

Originally published as Will Pucovski faces late fitness test to make Australia A side to play England Lions