The Victorian batsman Will Pucovski has been permitted to bat again after taking a blow to the head on Monday during the second XI match against South Australia.
The 25-year-old, who only played one Test match for Australia in January 2021, was hit on the helmet by South Australian seamer David Grant’s bouncer that he missed. After consulting field medics, the undefeated right-hander elected to continue playing, but on the following over, 43, he decided to retire hurt.
After clearing a concussion test, Pucovski was later approved by Cricket Victoria to resume batting.
“He will be closely watched throughout the day and the remainder of the match,” a statement from Cricket
Victoria read.
Pucovski, who is frequently mentioned as an Australian cricket player of the future, has struggled with mental health issues and concussions throughout his professional career. He requested not to be considered for Test selection the following season “due to matters pertaining to mental wellbeing” during his six-week vacation from cricket during the 2018–19 home summer in order to address mental health issues.
During the 2021 New Year’s Test at the SCG, Pucovski made his eagerly anticipated Test debut against India. He scored 61 in the opening innings before an unfortunate shoulder injury forced him to be replaced in the starting XI by fellow Victorian
Subsequently, he experienced recurrent episodes of concussions over the summer of 2021/22, which prevented him from playing for the majority of the season. His prior near-miss concussion occurred when he kicked a volleyball into his head while warming up for the Sheffield Shield.
After taking an indefinite hiatus from the game in October 2022, Pucovski returned to grade cricket in January of the previous year.
