Will Pucovski's incredible return to cricket after concussion saga
Australian prodigy Will Pucovski has one again shown why he was tipped as Australia's next superstar after coming back from injury to score 150 against NSW.
The 24-year-old, who has been concussed at least 11 times throughout his career, played his one and only Test for Australia in January, 2021.
INTERESTING: Warner's staggering reveal about Aussie leadership ban
GENIUS': Cricket world loses it over Steve Smith act in ODI win
He has been out of action since February after just four days back at Sheffield Shield level.
The NSW star copped a blow to the head during the warm-up and was ruled out.
However, Pucovski made his long-awaited return for Victoria's 2nd XI against a NSW team featuring bowlers Trent Copeland Ben Dwarshius.
And Pucovski showed why he will he once again in the fold for Australian selection this summer.
Pucovski finished Tuesday on 95 not out.
And it only took him a short time on Wednesday to reach a century.
The former Australian batter went on to score 150 in his cricket return.
Pucovski combined with Ashley Chandrasinghe (106) in an opening stand worth 268.
The duo helped belittle NSW's first innings total of 289.
Perhaps Pucovski's greatest concern on his return was when he was hit in the box and fell down in pain on 159.
However, the 24-year-old took some deep breaths and was able to regain his composure after the scare.
Will Pucovski has brought up a century in the Victoria second XI match against New South Wales, reaching the milestone in 226 deliveries. pic.twitter.com/ZyPDZ8VIpr
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) September 13, 2022
A century for Australian opener Will Pucovski in the second XI for Victoria against NSW and still going, a cracking start to the summer of cricket. He's looked assured and in control from the start.
Fellow opener Ashley Chandrasinghe unbeaten on 64. #vicsdoitbetter— Nick Creely (@NCreely) September 14, 2022
Does Will Pucovski slot into Australia’s top 6 this summer? Probably best suited as an opener, but Usman is too good at the top. I’d probably go Usman, Warner, Marnus, Smith, Puco, Green. Puco is too generational too ignore, has to play
— Jayden Williams (@willowilliams96) September 14, 2022
Hasn't all gone Will Pucovski's way today ... 159 runs on the board in the Second XI match when a hit flush on the box left him gasping for breath. Nearly six mins before he could face up again, taking a very awkwardly hobbled single to get off strike pic.twitter.com/4k3uZB9OtS
— Dave Middleton (@Dave_Middleton) September 14, 2022
Will Pucovski on concussion battles
Pucovski emerged as one of Australia's most exciting batters, but was quickly ruled out from the baggy green after just one match.
The 24-year-old was able to return from that setback, but Australia opted against taking him on tour for Test duties or include him in the Australia A tour of Sri Lanka.
However, he was recently part of a group of eight players who took part in a 10-day training camp in Chennai, showing he remains a key part of Australia's Test plans.
Pucovski has been open about the fallout from his concussions and admitted he has been able to reflect during the tough ordeal when he opened up to Cricinfo.
"It's been a bit of a reality check - that cricket isn't everything and there is so much more to life," Pucovski said.
"For me, it's just been good to learn so much about myself as a person, (rather than) if I'd just had a breezy ride and walked into every team and did well.
"I definitely have no regrets or sadness because of anything that's happened. It's all a part of the journey to take me to where I am."
with AAP
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
