Will Pucovski officially ruled out of Adelaide Test against India

The first Test of the Australian summer is only days away, but the Aussies will be going into battle without a rising star in the squad.

Pucovski goes down.

Will Pucovski has been officially ruled out of the Adelaide Test with Marcus Harris being added to the Australian squad.

Pucovski was in doubt after being hit in the head during Australia A’s match against India A and on Saturday the news was confirmed.

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Pucovski had been touted as making his Test debut to partner David Warner at the top of the batting line-up, however both men will now watch on from the sidelines.

During Australia A’s second innings at Drummoyne Oval, Pucovski ducked into a short delivery from paceman Kartik Tyagi while attempting a hook shot in the 13th over.

The 22-year-old collapsed onto the deck and remained on his hands and knees for nearly two minutes before walking off the field alongside a couple of medics.

Just in: With both David Warner and Will Pucovski ruled out, Marcus Harris has been added to Australia's squad for the Adelaide Test #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/IIJLXWDNcj

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 12, 2020

The Aussies have been hit with a raft of injuries in the lead up to the opening Test with Pucovski, Warner, Cam Green and Harry Conway all being struck down.

It’s leading to selection headaches as the Adelaide Test draws closer with fans speculating over who will open the batting for the Aussies.

Harris’ inclusion shows a strong possibility he could open the line-up alongside Joe Burns.

“Given the spate of injuries in recent weeks, we’re fortunate to be able to bring a player of Marcus’ calibre into the Test squad,” selector Trevor Hohns said.

“Marcus has been in outstanding form for Victoria this season and has had the benefit of facing India’s bowlers in both three-day tour matches at Drummoyne and under lights at the SCG.

“At the same time, we are disappointed for David and Will that they will not be available for the first Test.

“We have taken a conservative approach in managing Will since he sustained the concussion and hope he and David will be back to full health ahead of the Boxing Day Test.”

Burns’ recent run of form has many questioning if he’s the right man for the job.

Veteran Shaun Marsh has been floated as a late flyer to join the team after the gargantuan amount of injuries.

Marsh played his last Test in January 2019 against India, but Langer said you “never discriminate against age”, and the left-hander could be in the mix.

Usman Khawaja was also floated, however he said he was only focusing on the ongoing Big Bash season with the Sydney Thunder.

Pucovski is helped from the field.

The opening Test is set to get underway on Thursday, December 17 with it being a day/night Test in Adelaide.

So far the Australian injury list contains key names such as Pucovski, Warner, Green, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Ashton Agar, Moises Henriques, Jackson Bird and Conway.