Will Pucovski's devastating new concussion blow in return to cricket
Will Pucovski has suffered a fresh bout of concussion in his first match back for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield.
The young Victorian left the field after just one over while fielding on Saturday, with a statement saying he was "unwell and currently being assessed by team medical staff".
'WHAT THE HELL': Cricket world stunned by 'extraordinary' scenes
SPEAKING OUT: Pat Cummins breaks silence on Langer exit
He was subsequently subbed out of the game, with officials confirming Pucovski has suffered another concussion.
It is believed the concussion occurred during an incident while warming up prior to play on Saturday.
He was was seen with his hands on his knees after the third ball of the day and called to the team dugout for assistance.
Nic Maddinson then opened the batting in Victoria's innings instead of Pucovski, who was replaced by 12th man Travis Dean.
"Victoria has activated the concussion substitute on Day 4 of its Marsh Sheffield Shield match against South Australia at Adelaide Oval," officials said.
"Will Pucovski will be replaced in the XI by Travis Dean.
"Pucovski reported concussion symptoms to medical staff while fielding in the first session of play this morning.
"He will continue to be monitored by Cricket Victoria medical staff."
Pucovski was seen leaving Adelaide Oval during the lunch break.
Unfortunately Will Pucovski’s return to first-class cricket was cut short after it’s learnt that the batter was hit on the head during warm-ups & suffered another concussion on the 4th morning of his #SheffieldShield comeback. He left the Adelaide Oval during the lunch break pic.twitter.com/yB3aZ4x8DE
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 12, 2022
Pucovski's career has been marked by several concussions, with the most recent being last October.
Saturday's incident is believe to be the 11th time the 24-year-old has suffered concussion.
His return from shoulder surgery late last year was delayed when he was hit on the head at training, ruining his chances of returning to the Test side for the Ashes.
Cricket fans were left gutted for the youngster as his promising career was derailed yet again.
Heartbreaking news for Pucovski, just so many concussions now in such a short career. Not sure what the solution is at this point but hope his health, both physical and mental, is OK https://t.co/OODtS3aifJ
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 12, 2022
💔 HEARTBREAKING
Will Pucovski has been subbed out of his Sheffield Shield comeback after reportedly suffering another concussion during warm-ups in Adelaide earlier today.
Wishing him all the best in his recovery.
📰 Full sport coverage: https://t.co/wzVDJ69WOT pic.twitter.com/uaJaV0TtEi— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) February 12, 2022
Will Pucovski experienced concussion symptoms on the field for Victoria, and was substituted. Surely enough is enough for Will's health. So sad.#Cricket
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) February 12, 2022
sometimes cricket just isn’t fair. will pucovski doesn’t deserve this.
— barnesy (@barnesy_FT) February 12, 2022
Will Pucovski has been subbed out of Victoria’s Sheffield shield clash with South Australia. He was hit on the head this morning and Cricket Australia confirmed he reported concussion symptoms while fielding. Terrible news on his return to first class cricket. #cricket
— Jelisa Apps (@JelisaApps) February 12, 2022
cruel, cruel game. #sheffieldshield
— Tyler (@themrmilky1) February 12, 2022
Marcus Harris fails to fire before Pakistan tour
Meanwhile, Marcus Harris was dismissed cheaply in his final opportunity to shine before the Test tour of Pakistan as Victoria's top-order struggled early on the final day against South Australia.
Victoria laboured to 2-40 at lunch in pursuit of 316 off 91 overs for victory on a flat Adelaide Oval wicket.
Victoria seem to have already put up the shutters, having chewed up 22 overs of their innings by the break.
Their cause wasn't helped by the early loss of the hard-hitting Maddinson for just two.
Harris, who made 58 in the first innings, was then caught at second slip for five after flashing at a David Grant delivery.
The day commenced brightly for the Vics who swept through the SA tail inside half an hour, dismissing the hosts for 213 after they had recommenced at 7-203.
with AAP
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.