Test aspirant Will Pucovski hits 82 not out to lead Melbourne to Premier Cricket victory over Northcote

Batting prodigy Will Pucovski celebrated his Australian Test call-up by piloting Melbourne to a commanding Premier Cricket victory over Northcote on Saturday.

Batting prodigy Will Pucovski celebrated his Australian Test call-up by piloting Melbourne to a commanding Premier Cricket victory over Northcote on Saturday.

The 20-year-old finished 82 not out as the Demons breezed past the Dragons 251, sharing an unconquered 195-run partnership with century-maker Meyrick Buchanan (121 not out).

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Pucovski has been included in the Test squad to face Sri Lanka and will be out to press his case for a baggy green when the Cricket Australia XI takes on the tourists this week in Hobart.

Melbourne coach Adam Dale, who played two Tests and 30 one-day internationals for Australia, hailed Pucovski’s inclusion as “a really good selection”.

100 up for @meyrickb_8 pic.twitter.com/r0r1auuYoy

— Melbourne CC (@MelbCC) January 12, 2019

“He is a terrific person, very professional and really level-headed,” Dale said.

“He doesn’t take things for granted. It’s been a really big week for the young man.

“But to his credit, he played as he always does for Melbourne — really focused and determined to do well.

“He’s a really classy player and we got to see all those skills.”

Pucovski was the shock selection in the squad to face Sri Lanka after playing only eight first-class games for Victoria.

Dale has no doubts Pucovski, whose career started with Hampton United and Caulfield, is ready for the cauldron of Test cricket.

Will Pucovski gets a feel for Australian colours after being called into the Test squad. Picture: Ian Currie.

“He’s got great form in club cricket, great form in Shield cricket,” he said.

“It’s a good selection and all of us are really looking forward to watching him play and he will have a long career at the top.

“He has a terrific cover drive and for me, he’s a really good person.

“He’s a great team person who will do whatever he can for the team and for his teammates.

“From a technical point of view he has got wonderful balance and watches the ball. He deserves his opportunity and I have no doubt he will play very well.”

82no for Will Pucovski in @vicpremcricket today as Melbourne strolled past Northcote’s 251 at the Albert. But Melbourne teammate Meyrick Buchanan took most applause with 121no, his second red-inked century this season.

— Paul Amy (@PaulAmy375) January 12, 2019

Pucovski hit six boundaries in his 107-ball innings, backing up a knock of 83 not out from Round 9 against St Kilda.

He has tallied five half-centuries in eight innings for the Demons this summer, averaging an imposing 105 in the First XI competition.

Melbourne sits eighth on the ladder after Pucovski and Buchanan’s heroics guided their side to its fifth victory of the campaign.

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