Will Pucovski forced to retire hurt in bizarre concussion setback
After just re-entering the Australian fold, Will Pucovski can’t catch a break. The young batsman has suffered another setback in a freak incident on his birthday playing for the Cricket Australia XI.
Cricket
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Promising Will Pucovski has been diagnosed with another bout of concussion in a freak batting accident on his 22nd birthday on Sunday.
Captaining the Cricket Australia XI against the English Lions at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast, Pucovski knocked his head falling awkwardly when his bat stuck on the ground as he was attempting a quick run in a 50-over game.
He was later diagnosed with concussion and will not bat again in the game and have to pass the exhaustive concussion protocol before being cleared for the second game on Tuesday.
Watch every single KFC BBL match LIVE & On-Demand on KAYO with FOX CRICKET’s unmatched commentary line-up. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
The incident follows a series of concussion setbacks for Pucovski which followed a football training incident as a schoolboy.
Pucovski’s first major concussion came when he was flung in a sling tackle and his head hit another opponents leg and he has suffered a series of head knocks at the crease.
Queensland youngster Max Bryant rebounded from his poor Big Bash League campaign to smack 102 from 60 balls against the Lions.
Pucovski had earlier spoken of his leadership ambitions after he was chosen to captain the Cricket Australia XI for the three-match 50-over series.
The Victorian is in charge of a squad that features former Australian T20 spinner Cameron Boyce, 30, and Jake Lehmann, a veteran of 53 first-class matches.
Pucovski is also back in the Australian fold for the first time since his fast-tracked selection in the Test squad against Sri Lanka 12 months ago.
The batting prodigy represented Australia A in November’s tour match against Pakistan before ruling himself out of Test selection to focus on his mental health.
“Obviously there’s been some challenges, but I’m definitely making big strides forward,” Pucovski said from Gold Coast.
“I like doing it (captaincy). I guess I like thinking about the game, so in that sense it’s really good.
“Anytime you’re selected to represent an Australia XI in any capacity is a huge honour.
“I’ve had a taste of it (Australian selection) here and there and it’s been a pretty awesome experience when I have been in there. From a personal point of view I’d love to stay in these colours.”
Boyce played the last of his seven T20s for Australia four years ago although is fresh from collecting 14 Big Bash wickets for Melbourne Renegades and has Shane Warne’s backing for the T20 World Cup.
England Lions selected three Test players in their squad for the four-day games at the backend of the series, which will be played against
“Bringing the Test guys back they’re probably looking to the Ashes in a couple of years here and seeing how guys adjust to Australian conditions,” Pucovski said.
“Hopefully they don’t adapt too well in these three one-dayers and we can knock them off.”