Will Pucovski’s career hangs in the balance following withdrawal from English County contract

The future of one-time Australian opener, and Australia’s next rising star, Will Pucovski is in the balance as the 26-year-old switches focus once again to rehabilitation deciding to withdraw from immediate cricket commitments. BEN HORNE reports.

Will Pucovski’s career hangs in the balance. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Will Pucovski’s career hangs in the balance after the cricket star pulled out of his upcoming English county deal.

Pucovski and Leicestershire decided to end the agreement by mutual consent as the 26-year-old continues to recover from his latest concussion.

The Victorian was due to take up a five-match stint with the English County side starting next month, but will now focus on his rehabilitation after he copped a sickening blow to the head in the recent Sheffield Shield clash against Tasmania.

Pucovski is off contract at Victoria and big decisions are coming on whether the one-Test batting prodigy can continue his career.

Pucovski is treated by medical staff after his most recent blow from Tasmania’s Riley Meredith during the Sheffield Shield. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

It’s expected Cricket Australia medical figures will be involved in the decision, now that Pucovski has suffered upwards of 13 concussions as a young athlete.

Pucovski said in a recent podcast that he has previously been on the verge of pulling the pin on his cricket career, before electing to battle on.

This will now be Pucovski’s sternest test.

The likeable and highly talented run-scorer has also been open about the mental health battles which he says have provided a greater obstacle on his cricketing journey than the repeated concussions.

Leicestershire said it had decided to put Pucovski’s future first by cancelling his upcoming stint.

“It’s a huge shame to lose Will at this stage, but his health must come first,” Director of Cricket Claude Henderson said.

“Given the proximity to the start of the English season, it has been agreed by all parties to allow him the necessary time to recover, and we want to wish Will all the best as he continues to recuperate in Australia.”

Originally published as Will Pucovski’s career hangs in the balance following withdrawal from English County contract