Will Pucovski faces an anxious wait to see if he can recover from a shoulder injury in time for the fourth and final Vodafone Test against India, with Australia giving him every opportunity to prove his fitness.
Australia confirmed Will Pucovski suffered a “shoulder subluxation” injury while diving in the field on the fifth day of the third Test in Sydney. A subluxation is a partial dislocation of the shoulder joint when the ball of the upper arm bone partly comes out of the socket in the shoulder.
Will Pucovski To Continue Rehabilitation, Decision Will Be Made Prior To 4th Test
Will Pucovski joins the injury list with a shoulder complaint. In clear discomfort and holding his right shoulder after the dive, he soon left the field and was later sent for scans.
“He will continue rest and rehabilitation over the next two days before a decision is made on his fitness for the fourth Vodafone Test match,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson said.
If he is unable to recover from the injury, it could mean a fifth opening batsman to be used by Australia in four Tests, with Marcus Harris already in the extended 18 man Test squad. Will Pucovski scored a stylish 62 in the first innings in Sydney, prompting former Test captain Ricky Ponting to declare the youngster a 10-year Test player.
Opening partner David Warner also admitted on Monday he still felt nervous about his groin injury, as his return from a lengthy layoff coincided with the back-to-back Tests. If Will Pucovski wasn’t deemed fit, Australia would again face a dilemma with options at the top of the order. David Warner scored 5 and 13 and wasn’t looking at ease.
Marcus Harris May Be Recalled Or Matthew Wade Could Bat Again As Opener
Having already dropped Joe Burns from the squad, Marcus Harris remains in the extended group and could be an option to be recalled.
The other option would likely be returning Matthew Wade to the top, allowing Travis Head to make a comeback in Brisbane after being axed for Sydney.
The surprising fact is Shaun Marsh was omitted despite his performance atop the order in Sheffield Shield but his age considering 37-years-old and experience of 38 Tests where he didn’t make most of the opportunity averaging moderately 34.31 may have prompted the selectors to think otherwise.
Another contender 33-year-old Usman Khawaja has played 44 Tests for Australia and averages a very respectable 40.66. However, in the five matches where he has opened the innings, his average jumps to 96.80 at Test level. But he never managed to cement his place in the Test squad.
First Test: Australia won by eight wickets
Second Test: India won by eight wickets
Third Test: Match drawn
Fourth Test: January 15-19, Gabba