Pucovski to face friendly fire before debut

David Warner and Will Pucovski both attended the gym at the MCG as they prepare to prove their fitness for the third Test.

Will Pucovski batting for Australia A against India last month Picture: Getty Images

Will Pucovski has to pass a number of tests before being given clearance to make his debut in the Sydney Test.

The brilliant young Victorian batsman who is suffering the consequences of multiple concussions rejoined the squad on Friday night after his most recent incident in a tour match.

It is understood he will receive independent medical checks on January 4 in Melbourne before flying to Sydney and be put through an increasingly vigorous physical workload.

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Pucovski and David Warner, who also rejoined the squad after serving an extended time in isolation outside the team, both attended the gym at the MCG on New Year’s Day.

The progress of both will be monitored closely in the lead up to the third Test at the SCG on January 7.

Warner suffered a number of tears to his groin during a limited overs match in Sydney and missed the first two Tests.

He completed some sprint drills at the MCG during the second match, but is not fully fit. The player and team are both willing to pick him even if he is not completely recovered.

Australia is without a genuine opener and needs to regroup after losing the Melbourne Test. Joe Burns has been dropped and Matthew Wade was filling the vacancy in the absence of anybody else, but is better suited to the middle order.

Marcus Harris is in the squad and a potential candidate should selectors shy away from Warner or Pucovski for whatever reason.

Cricket Australia Sports Science & Sports Medicine Manager Alex Kountouris told The Weekend Australian on Friday that the 22-year-old Pucovski is being introduced to training gradually.

“Cricket Australia has strict concussion protocols and part of our process is individualising the care for each case,” Kountouris said.

“Given Will’s history, we have taken a conservative approach. This has involved a multidisciplinary team of people who specialise in the area of concussion and who are helping us work through Will’s rehabilitation.

“Will continues to work through his rehab and training progressions, and continues to be monitored by our doctors. If all goes well, we are hopeful he will be ready for the third Test.”

The vast medical team around Pucovski includes a concussion physiotherapist, a neurologist, psychologists and even a mind coach.

The youngster had problems in his early years with mental health issues which saw him withdraw from the state and national team environments.

Pucovski will go through a gradually elevated process ahead of a final decision and will no doubt have to face an examination from the fast bowlers in the nets before being named in the side.

He was struck in the head by Thangarasu Natarajan during a tour game at the Drummoyne Oval in early December and reported mild signs of concussion.

Up to that point it is understood he was pencilled in to open the batting alongside Warner. When Warner had an accident fielding two places opened at the top of the order for the first Test.

Selectors named Joe Burns despite a string of failures in first-class cricket and coach Justin Langer claimed justification when the respected Queenslander made a half century as Australia cruised to victory in the second innings of that game.

Matthew Wade was moved up the order to fill the other vacancy which allowed all-rounder Cameron Green to play in the middle order.

If Pucovski and Warner are fit it is assumed Travis Head would have to give up his place.

Australia also has some concerns around the form of Steve Smith who has struggled for runs and is slipping down the ICC rankings.

Pucovski made two double centuries in the Sheffield Shield at the beginning of the year and said work he had done away from cricket had helped his maturity.

The batsman’s father, Jan, suggested he speak to mindfulness coach Emma Murray who also works with players in the Richmond football side.

“She’s probably given me stability and the ability to actually manage stress and anxiety … in certain situations, and given me peace that I can deal with things” he said earlier this year.

“It’s (mental health) not a day-by-day thing where all of a sudden you wake up and feel a million bucks.

“It’s more learning how to accept when you’re not feeling so good and being able to manage those days a bit better.

“I’m definitely better, but it’s a long-term process.

“Mental health is never a ‘you’re well or you’re not’ — there’s dips and curves and it sort of changes.”