Pick him now: greats call for Will Pucovski call-up

Will Pucovski is set to storm into Australia’s Test squad this week, as selectors zero in on a 17-man roster to take down India.

Peter Handscomb congratulates Will Pucovski after the Victorian became the first player in nearly 25 years to score successive double centuries in the Sheffield Shield Picture: Getty Images

Will Pucovski is set to storm into Australia’s Test squad this week, as selectors zero in on a 17-man roster to take down India.

The super bat became the first Sheffield Shield batsman to score consecutive double hundreds since 1997-98 on Monday and the first Victorian to achieve it in ­successive first-class innings since Bill Ponsford in 1927.

Starting the second day against Western Australia unbeaten on 183, the 22-year-old made 202 to go with his unbeaten 255 last week.

Pucovski was dismissed for the first time in 733 balls this summer, giving him a Shield average of 457 for the season.

It’s been a stunning start that should result in Pucovski’s selection in the Test squad to face India, if not in the team as an opening partner for David Warner in the opening clash against India in Adelaide.

Fellow Test aspirants West Australian allrounder Cameron Green, Queensland leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson and NSW fast bowler Sean Abbott all ­pushed their claims for selection on Monday.

Possible Test squad

Swepson’s haul of 5-55 against South Australia took his season wicket tally to 20 at an average of 18. He appears set to be drafted into the Test squad at some stage, but likely as cover for Nathan Lyon in a summer where flying in a replacement at the drop of a hat isn’t necessarily that easy.

Green made a patient 56 from 174 balls against Victoria and has scored 363 runs this season at 72.

Michael Neser and James Pattinson shape as Australia’s top reserve fast bowlers for the extended squad, while Abbott (4-33 from 21 overs against Tasmania) and Jackson Bird have built strong cases for inclusion as a third back-up option, if that’s required.

But it was Pucovski’s run of form that had greats of the game talking.

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“You have got to pick him. Decision has been made. Open the batting with Dave Warner,” former Test captain Michael Clarke said on Sydney radio on Monday.

“He has so much experience around him. He struggled in the past with some mental issues that he has had. He has a lot of support around him at the moment, he feels like he is in a better place.

“The fact that this series is in Australia is a great way to get him into that Test team as well. He is playing in conditions he is ­accustomed to.”

Pucovski’s rush of history-making form comes on the back of a significant statement he made on a recent podcast that he felt he would be mentally ready for a Test debut this summer.

At the very least, Australian selectors will want Pucovski in the squad, but his case to open the ­batting alongside Warner has ­become close to irresistible, ­particularly with incumbent Joe Burns struggling for runs.

The bigger debate might be whether Burns can survive in the squad at all, with heat also being applied by veteran Usman ­Khawaja after a timely century, and Victoria’s other opener ­Marcus Harris.

“Burns has made not many runs at all in this summer and there comes a time where you think to yourself, ‘well, where is Burns going?’,” Ian Chappell told the ABC.

“He’s probably not going ­anywhere, really, and it’s time to have a look at Pucovski.

“What’s that now, six or seven first-class centuries? That includes a couple of doubles. He’s ready.”

Australian selectors are looking to name Australia’s Test squad later this week.

Pucovski has been on the verge of Test selection the past two summers, but has struggled at various moments with his ­mental wellbeing and selectors have taken a supportive and cautious approach.

The 22-year-old has been ­mature in talking openly about what he’s been through and his recent assertion on The Risk Equation Podcast would give selectors confidence that he’s finally ready for the step up.

“I see how far I’ve come and how much closer I am to being ready for that next level and I’m at a stage now where I feel I actually am, and truly believe I’d have the mental processes and capabilities to get there,” Pucovski told podcast host, Dr Chris Maguire.