Will Pucovski out of Test series, Cameron Bancroft gets shock recall

Will Pucovski’s request to selectors hands Test cap to a struggling batsman | TEAM LIST

Young Australian batsman Will Pucovski won’t play in the Test series against Pakistan. Picture: Getty Images

Will Pucovski will not be picked to play the first Test against Pakistan in Brisbane next week.

Sadly, the young Victorian has requested selectors not pick him, admitting to struggles with his mental health in the middle of an Australia A game in Perth, which was the last chance to impress before next week’s match.

Pucovski’s withdrawal opens the door for the shock recall of former opener Cameron Bancroft.

The batsman who pushed past Joe Burns to gain Test selection for the Ashes with an undefeated 93 in that series’ tour match at Southampton appears to have been thrown a lifeline on the back of a solitary 49 in the tour game against Pakistan in Perth.

Bancroft was only included in the Australia A squad when Nic Maddinson withdrew citing mental health concerns.

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Cameron Bancroft struggled during the recent Ashes tour. Picture: Getty Images

Bancroft was dropped after the second Test in England and had done nothing in Sheffield Shield cricket to suggest he should be reinstated, posting scores of 0, 11, 10, 6no, 30 and 0.

Joe Burns, however, will open in the first Test, the Queenslander reinstated on the back of two impressive half centuries on a difficult Gabba wicket.

His selection costs Marcus Harris, who was dropped despite scoring a century in the first round of the Sheffield Shield on a benign track at the Junction Oval and following it with two half centuries in Perth and Hobart.

Harris failed in three Tests as replacement for Bancroft in England.

Australia’s team: David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Cameron Bancroft, Tim Paine (capt), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Michael Neser

Pucovski did not bat in the second innings of the match last night and was seen being consoled by coach Justin Langer on the boundary — a gesture many misinterpreted.

The 21-year-old is the third player to withdraw from the game in recent times. Glenn Maxwell stood down from the T20 side citing mental health concerns. Victoria’s Maddinson has also taken a break from the first class game.

Burns has been named as an opener, recalled for the first time since making 180 against Sri Lanka last summer, in a 14-man squad announced on Thurday.

Travis Head returns to the middle order after missing the final Test of the Ashes.

Will Pucovski gets an edge to a delivery from Imran Khan on day two of the tour match between Australia A and Pakistan in Perth. Picture: Getty Images

Michael Neser and James Pattinson have been named alongside Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

“We applaud Will for having the courage to discuss his situation with team management in Perth,” Cricket Australia’s National Teams boss Ben Oliver said in a statement this morning.

“Will’s decision not to nominate for Test selection was the right one in the circumstances and one that everyone in the Australian cricket family supports.

“Mental health is a complex issue that unfortunately impacts many young men and women in our society. By Will bravely taking this position, he will undoubtedly inspire others facing similar challenges to speak up and take positive steps towards improving their mental wellbeing.

“The most important thing now is for Will to be given the time, space and expert support that he needs to return to full health as soon as possible.

“I speak on behalf of everyone in Australian cricket when I say we wish Will the very best in his recovery.”

Pucovski asks not to be selected in Test. pic.twitter.com/9QFg9x3532

— Peter Lalor (@plalor) November 13, 2019

Pucovski was picked in the squad to play Sri Lanka in the first Test in Brisbane in January but was left out in a last-minute change of heart by selectors when Kurtis Patterson made two centuries in the tour match.

The batsman was released from the squad during the game citing mental health concerns.

Pucovski has faced a number of battles included repeat concussions in his short career.

The batsman broke down in the middle of scoring 243 against Western Australia in Perth and did not complete the match and missed a number of games that followed.

Pucovski spoke frankly about the incident in a podcast with Fox Sports.

“It was one of those things where what it looked like from the outside wasn’t quite matching up with what it was on the inside … I was more confused than at any other time in my life,” Pucovski told The Follow-On podcast.

Joe Burns bats on day three of the Australia A-Pakistan tour match. Picture: AAP

“I was 64 not out overnight if I remember. I got to the game to have my pre-morning hit in the nets and pulled one of the coaches, Lachie Stevens, aside and said ‘look mate, this is what I’m going through. I don’t really understand what’s going on and don’t know why it’s happening but this is what’s happening’.

“It was quite a confronting thing but they were beyond awesome about it … they were just so supportive from the outset.

“I still remember Lachie putting his arm around me and saying ‘Mate, I’m shattered for you and we will get you sorted when you’re back but if you can do anything to get us some runs today that would be great’.”