- Opening batsman cleared to return ahead of four-day clash with New South Wales
- The 26-year-old has suffered 11 concussions in an on-again, off-again career.
- Will Pucovski also said goodbye for mental health reasons in 2022
Batsman Will Pucovski has overcome his latest concussion and has been called up to Victoria’s Sheffield Shield squad for a crucial clash with NSW.
The 26-year-old missed Victoria’s last Shield win against South Australia after taking a hit to the helmet while batting in a second XI game on January 22.
But Pucovski has been declared fit to take his place against the Blues at the SCG from Friday.
“Unfortunately, our white-ball campaign came to an end on Wednesday, but we now turn our attention to putting in a strong Shield performance at the SCG and putting ourselves in contention to reach the Shield final,” David Hussey, Team Manager men’s Cricket Victoria. cricket, he said.
“It’s fantastic to welcome our captain Will Sutherland back to the Shield after his international debut, and it’s also fantastic to have Will Pucovski back in the team.”
Will Pucovski has overcome his most recent concussion and has been called up to Victoria’s Sheffield Shield squad for a crucial clash with NSW (pictured representing Australia in 2021)
The 26-year-old was hit on the helmet while batting in a second XI game on January 22.
Pucovski was cleared of concussion at the time he was hit on the helmet last month, but experienced delayed symptoms in the days that followed.
After taking a leave of absence for mental health reasons in 2022, Pucovski returned to cricket this summer after suffering 11 concussions.
Before his return, the right-hander, widely regarded as one of Australia’s best young batsmen, spent a year out of the game.
Pucovski has played three Sheffield Shield matches this season, with a top score of 65 and also featured in a Victoria tour match against Pakistan.
His only Test for Australia was against India at the SCG in January 2021, impressing with a first-innings 62, but suffered a serious shoulder injury in the same match.
Victoria sit second in the Shield table and still have a chance to secure a home final with three games remaining.
The Vics will travel to Sydney in full force, taking seven players with international experience.
New South Wales has made a notable turnaround in its campaign, winning three of its last four matches, including defeating defending champions Western Australia twice.