Will Pucovski says he’s not listening to the noise after a second-straight 200 put him on the verge of a Test call-up

Will Pucovski entered his ‘batting bubble’ again in Adelaide, and another 200 could see him in a baggy green next month.

Will Pucovski continued his summer run spree with a second 200 for Victoria in two games. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

Will Pucovski said his ability to re-enter his “batting bubble” had been the key to an astonishing run that has him on the verge of an immediate ascension into the Test team.

After more than 1000 minutes at the crease in his first two innings as an opener, the record-breaking Victorian batsman has launched a barrage of calls for him to be picked in the first Test to play India.

The 22-year-old became just the eighth player in Sheffield Shield history to make consecutive double-centuries, scoring 202 against Western Australia after 255 not out against SA last match, and the first player in more than 20 years to achieve the feat.

He said his “inner drive” never wavered during his monstrous efforts, but his new-found ability to avert fatigue when he felt it coming on was driving his run fest.

“I don’t think the inner competitiveness wavers, you just do get that build up of fatigue. There was a stage yesterday where I felt I was losing it, but I switched back into gear,” Pucovski said.

William Pucovski can’t stop scoring runs. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

“It’s like getting into my batting bubble. For the first time in a couple of weeks I felt myself leaving that. But it was for only a short time … I know how to get back into that head space.

“For me it’s hadn’t been about the runs, it’s more about the process. I have been really happy with how I have been backing my instincts … the more I can do that, results will come.

“You have to try and cash in when things go your way.”

Pucovski said he was not getting lost in the noise around him getting picked in the Test team.

“I’ve deleted every cricket app and most social media off my phone … I haven’t really read anything,” he said.

“It’s completely out of my control. All I can do is present myself every day and hopefully do well.”

Pucovski was asked to open the batting by new Victorian coach Chris Rogers, who saw it as the 22-year-old’s best way into the Test team now.

In his only two innings at the top of the order, Pucovski has made 457 runs, faced 733 balls, and been out only once.

His score of 202 was his third double-century in just his 22nd first-class match.

Pucovski also broke the record for the fastest player to four Shield scores of 180 or above, getting there in 27 innings. It took Sir Donald Bradman 35.

With nearly 500 runs in two innings, there's been a LOT of gold coming off the blade of Will Pucovski recently 🤤

Here are some of the best strokes from his double centuries #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/ZlozZtZZCf

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 9, 2020

The Vics declared just before lunch and snared two quick wickets before WA captain Shaun Marsh didn’t just steady the ship, he got it motoring, registering his third hundred of the Shield season.

At stumps WA was 4-198, still 216 behind Victoria’s 4-414(dec) on a day dominated by Pucovski, who was aided to his double-hundred by his captain Peter Handscomb, who made 84.

Handscomb has a Test hundred but said he was in awe of the 2020 version of Pucovski, who has been on the field for all but 11 overs of VIctoria’s two games.

“He just enjoys being out there. He would rather be batting than sitting down. He’s having a great time every time he bats,” Handscomb said.

Pucovski had been seen as having a weakness against the short ball, given his history of concussions.

But in his two innings so far this summer, he hasn’t shied away from hooking and pulling and has endured several bouncer barrages.

Handscomb conceded that type of bowling would intensity at Test level but said Pucovski was ready for it, another tick in the box for national elevation.

“The bouncers are going to be more on the money and probably quicker as well,” he said.

“It’s going to be a challenge for him, but he’s going out there, batting on instinct, and it’s see ball, hit ball at the moment, and it’s beautiful to watch.”