Will Pucovski (AAP: Richard Wainwright)
Will Pucovski (AAP: Richard Wainwright)

Will Pucovski has been cleared to return to Sheffield Shield action following his latest concussion-related absence and is available for Victoria’s next game against Western Australia ahead of the final at the end of the month.

Will Pucovski was subbed out of the match against South Australia in Adelaide last month – his 11th concussion – but has since returned to action in Premier and 2nd XI cricket.

Victoria are currently leading the Sheffield Shield table and the clash against Western Australia is likely to decide who hosts the final from March 31.

Will Pucovski [photo: CricTracker.com]
Will Pucovski [photo: CricTracker.com]

Will Pucovski Could Play For Victoria Again

A Cricket Victoria statement said a medical panel had concluded that some of Will Pucovski’s previous injuries were likely not “true concussions” due to the low level of trauma but rather “a form of either post-traumatic migraine or stress-related response”.

In the past fortnight, Will Pucovski has returned to competition via his Prmier Cricket side Melbourne as well as with Victoria’s Second XI, and doctors have now cleared the 24-year-old to return to the elite level.

“Will has made positive steps in his recovery from the injury in Adelaide,” Cricket Victoria’s Dr Trefor James said.

Will Pucovski bats during the 2nd XI match between Victoria and Tasmania (Photo by Martin Keep/Getty Images)
Will Pucovski bats during the 2nd XI match between Victoria and Tasmania (Photo by Martin Keep/Getty Images)

“Given that he has made a full and relatively quick recovery and following the experts’ diagnostic formulation, the panel was happy to support Will in his desire to continue playing.”

“Concussion management is, by its nature, incredibly complex and I’d like to thank those on the panel who have provided their support and expertise to allow us to proactively support Will in managing his health and wellbeing.”

Will Pucovski could play for Victoria again this season despite ongoing concussion concerns. There were calls for the opener, who made his Test debut against India in January, 2021, to retire after his latest concussion. But he was adamant he wanted to play on and returned to state training last week.

Will Pucovski, 24, has played two Premier cricket matches for his club side Melbourne in the last two weeks after suffering his 11th career concussion during the warm-up on the final day of Victoria’s Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia in Adelaide. There were genuine fears for his future after his latest head knock but he has made a successful return to club cricket.

Will Pucovski Looking Forward To Finish Season On A High

Will Pucovski was eager to resume the season with Victoria adding that he will continue to manage his mental and physical health.

“I’m really looking forward to finishing the season back in the squad. It was so worthwhile to meet with the panel and hear their views on my circumstances,” he said.
“Managing my health – physically and mentally – is something I have to live with moving forward and I’m really grateful for everyone’s support at Cricket Victoria.”
Australia’s Will Pucovski Photograph: David Gray/AFP/Getty Images
Australia’s Will Pucovski Photograph: David Gray/AFP/Getty Images

 

Will Pucovski made his Test debut against India at the SCG in January 2021 – itself delayed by concussion when he was struck on the helmet playing for Australia A prior to the series – but it became a one-off outing when he damaged his shoulder in the field which led to surgery. As he was preparing to return at the start of this season he suffered a blow in the nets which led to another concussion and sidelined him until February.

Will Pucovski played 1 Test, only scoring 72 runs with a fifty, and his highest was 62. The debutant injured his shoulder while trying in vain to stop the ball at mid-wicket in the second session of the final day in the 3rd Test at Sydney against India. He missed the first two Tests against India due to a concussion injury but scored 62 and 10 in the 3rd Test after making his debut.