Startling details emerge in Will Pucovski's latest concussion drama
Startling details have emerged after Will Pucovski suffered a devastating new concussion blow, with reports he was struck by a soccer ball during a warm-up drill.
The young batter's playing future is once again under a cloud after he suffered yet another concussion setback during his return to Sheffield Shield action with Victoria on Saturday.
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The one-Test opener was struck on the head during a pre-game warm-up for the final day of the Shield clash with South Australia at Adelaide Oval.
Fans immediately speculated that Pucovski must have been struck while batting in the nets, however it has since emerged that he was hit by a soccer ball in a much more innocuous accident.
Pucovski took his place in the field during South Australia's innings, but had to make his way off after just three balls.
Vision has since emerged on social media showing Pucovski crouching with his head in his hands after jogging to field a ball at mid-on.
The 24-year-old reported concussion symptoms to team medical staff, and was replaced by 12th man Travis Dean.
It is believed to be the 11th concussion suffered during Pucovski's frequently interrupted career and quickly drew renewed speculation about whether he should keep playing.
Late news on Will Pucovski. He suffered an 11th concussion after being hit by soccer ball/volleyball during warm-up. His previous non-batting causes of concussion include: hit head on door at home, fell over running between wickets (bat caught in turf), hit by ball in nets.
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) February 12, 2022
A lot of hot takes about Pucovski’s concussion and supposed inability to play the short ball. The concussion occurred during the warm up when he was hit by a soccer/volley ball. Will’s situation is complex and is best assessed by experts.
— Nick Cummins (@CricketVicCEO) February 12, 2022
Victoria coach speaks out about Will Pucovski
Pucovski, who made 54 at the top of the order in the first innings, was playing his first match for Victoria since suffering a mild concussion and being subbed out of a Shield match in November.
"It is a really delicate situation given his history and everything he has gone through," said Victoria coach Chris Rogers, a former Test opener who also battled concussions at the end of his career.
"He received a knock this morning and from there he just started to feel the symptoms of concussion.
"He came in and spoke to our physio and the doctor and from there we had the concussion sub come in.
"It is going to be a really important little period for Will so as a state and a side we will support him throughout this and we will wait and see how that plays out.
"He wanted to see if he could go out and have a hit in the nets, but the symptoms were there and in the end he spoke to the doctor and we felt that it (batting) probably wasn't worth it, and from there it was a case of what do we need to do for him."
Pucovski made his one Test appearance against India at the SCG in January 2021, scoring 62 but also suffering a shoulder injury in the field that required surgery.
He then suffered a fresh concussion setback in November that ruined any chance he had of playing in the Ashes.
with AAP
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