Will Pucovski suffers 'devastating' setback in freak on-field mishap
Aussie young gun Will Pucovski has been diagnosed with another concussion after a freak on-field mishap.
The Victorian batsman retired hurt during a match for the Cricket Australia XI on the Gold Coast on Sunday after hitting his head while batting.
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Pucovski was sliding his bat into the crease when it caught in the turf, sending Pucovski tumbling to the ground.
He was taken from the field after hitting his head and was later diagnosed with concussion.
It’s a devastating setback on the 22-year-old’s birthday after he named to captain the Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions.
Pucovski missed three months of cricket after being struck in the head in his first-class debut in 2017.
He was also hit in the helmet during that year’s domestic one-day tournament and again while batting for Victoria in the Futures League a month later.
He then suffered another concussion in 2018 while playing for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield.
The latest setback is particularly concerning given the growing evidence that repeat head knocks can have a cumulative effect on victims, increasing the likelihood they will suffer further concussions.
He’s also suffered head injuries after being slung in a tackle during a junior football game, hitting his head on a door at home and being struck by a ball while diving in the field.
Will Pucovski has the most unbelievable history of bad luck. Hope this is not too serious. https://t.co/xw3kMzsBW6
— Rick Eyre on cricket (@rickeyrecricket) February 2, 2020
This is devastating for Will Pucovski.
This was his chances as captain as well to show his leadership potential and go to the next level, but he can't catch a break with injuries. https://t.co/H3n5zWy7h2— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) February 2, 2020
Poor bloke has no luck
— ⍟ Pokey 🇦🇺 (@xPokeyyy) February 2, 2020
Not fair....
— M E L (@Melcatzzzz) February 2, 2020
Nothing going good for Will Pucovski. Few months he took a break due to mental illness. Today batting for Australia Xl against England lions, Pucovski injured himself himself when attempting a single
— Raghav (@Im_RaghavVR) February 2, 2020
Pucovski had only just returned
Pucovski has also taken three mental-health breaks from the sport since the start of 2018-19 and opted against taking part in the current BBL campaign.
The 21-year-old, who was close to making his Test debut in 2019, remains highly regard by national selectors.
"It is pleasing to see Will Pucovski back in a national squad. Will has progressed well over the course of the summer and recently captained the Victorian second XI in a Twenty20 tournament," chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said last week.
"These three games are an invaluable opportunity for Will to gain more captaincy experience against quality opposition.
"The matches against the England Lions provide them all with an opportunity to impress national coaches and selectors as we look to plan ahead for the future."
with AAP
