Cricket Australia strongly defend their handling of Will Pucovski’s mental health

Cricket Australia has strongly defended its handling of Will Pucovski’s wellbeing following an accusation from former Test batsman Brad Hodge that the young star was mismanaged.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: Will Pucovski of Australia runs drinks during day one of the Second Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka at Manuka Oval on February 01, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

• OUT: Pucovski leaves Test squad for mental health reasons

• REVAMP: Big Bash needs to find it’s Super Bowl

Cricket Australia has strongly defended its handling of Will Pucovski’s wellbeing following an accusation from former Test batsman Brad Hodge that the young star was mismanaged.

Pucovski was widely praised yesterday by coach Justin Langer and several leading figures around the game for the maturity and courage he has shown in returning himself home to Melbourne to manage challenges that have arisen with his mental health.

The Sunday Telegraph understands that Pucovski has told those close to him that he enjoyed his time in the Australian camp and that despite how it might seem, his decision to leave Canberra does not represent a major setback in the progress he has made with his mental health this summer.

Pucovski’s decision to return home is being seen as a positive because it shows the Victorian, who turned 21 on Saturday, is developing a clearer understanding of his signs and symptoms. He hopes to play Sheffield Shield for Victoria in less than three weeks.

Pucovski has left the Test squad. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images).

Victorian great and former Test representative Hodge questioned Australia’s handling of Pucovski since calling him into their squad and not playing him in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

“Hope Will Pucovski makes a full recovery. A wonderful talented player with a bright future,” tweeted Hodge.

“Can’t say I am surprised by the mismanagement of this young player in the current state of play.”

However, Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts emphatically countered that accusation, defending the role of selectors and praising the care shown by the team’s medical staff.

“We’re handling the situation with care. Will has been really mature about it,” said Roberts on the ABC.

“It’s important to note the support Will has had around him in the team doctor and there is also a national network of support.

Pucovski has been praised for the way he’s handled the situation. Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images.

“We know that mental health issues are prevalent across society and it’s a really significant topic for us.”

Roberts said it was a sensible decision by selectors to call Kurtis Patterson into their squad – and reiterated that the non-selection of Pucovski in Brisbane had absolutely nothing to do with any concerns raised about his wellbeing.

Those feelings were only reported in the wake of the Test.

Coach Langer said Pucovski’s experience in camp had been valuable.

“In one way it’s sad, in other ways it’s great courage for a young man. There’s a lot of talk about mental health and he’s been fantastic,” said Langer on ABC.

“He’s been with the group in the last couple of weeks, he’s a sensational young bloke, I love watching him bat, he’s a gun fielder, he works really hard, but he’s obviously wanting to get on top of it and he’s gone home for a few days.

Pucovski was expected to debut in Brisbane. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images.

“He’s got some Shield cricket coming up and I’m looking forward to seeing him healthy and well. He deserves it, because he’s such a good young bloke.”

Langer said it was wrong to suggest Pucovski’s non-selection had negatively impacted his health.

“I don’t think that [hype then non-selection] has anything to do with it. He and I have had a lot of really good conversations,” said Langer.

“There’s a lot of hype, but that’s the Australian cricket team. I’ve been fascinated by the scrutiny coming into the job, I’ve been in this business for 25 years and I’m feeling it, so I can only imagine how some of the young guys are feeling about all the scrutiny.

“The hype … that’s just part of the business we’re in. I think it would be great experience for him to have stepped into the jungle for a couple of weeks and seen what it’s like.

“I’m sure in the future he’s a good young player and he’ll get another chance.”

Every Test, ODI, T20I, and BBL match live. SIGN UP NOW!