Cricket world rallies around Will Pucovski amid positive update on latest head knock
The Victorian batter was once again struck on the helmet during a match.
Former Australian opener Will Pucovski has been cleared of what would have been a 12th concussion after he was involved in some scary scenes during a second XI game for Victoria. Pucovski, who has had a worrying run of concussions throughout his career, was hit in the helmet from a David Grant bouncer in the Victoria second XI clash against South Australia.
Pucovski immediately reacted to the knock as he took his helmet off and bent over in pain. The South Australian players ran in to help Pucovski who stepped away from the wicket after the brutal knock.
HUGE: Usman Khawaja in big update before second Test against West Indies
COME BACK: David Warner required to fly home to Australia from Dubai
The 25-year-old was in good form having made it to 42 runs before the incident. Pucovski initially decided to stay out in the middle having initially been cleared as he managed to bat for another over.
Will Pucovski has retired hurt after being struck while batting for Victoria's second XI today.
How it unfolded ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fHV17qlCiG— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 22, 2024
However, he then signalled to his team back in the pavilion and eventually was forced to retire after the blow. There was significant concern for Pucovski after the incident, but in good news, he was able to train in the nets after the knock.
He then passed a concussion test and can continue batting in the fixture at Adelaide's Karen Rolton Oval on Monday. "He will be monitored through the day and rest of the game," Cricket Victoria said in a statement. Cricket fans are fond of Pucovski who played one Test match for Australia in January 2021.
The prodigious talent was touted as a mainstay in the national team before a number of concussions saw him take time away from the sport having sustained 11 concussions. Many wished the Victorian well after another scary incident out in the middle.
F*ck.
Thoughts with Puc who is a great young man. https://t.co/cDeg8sfMs7— Peter Lalor (@plalor) January 22, 2024
So happy and relieved for him.
— Rory Burnside (@RoryBurnside) January 22, 2024
😭😭 so sad for him
So so so sad— Kartik Gupta (@Kartik10081) January 22, 2024
Victorian batter Will Pucovski has been cleared to resume batting in Victoria’s 2nd XI game.
Pucovski passed a concussion test before batting in the nets where he was given the all clear to continue playing. He will be monitored through the day and the rest of the game. pic.twitter.com/xdhG1KYmBC— Victorian Cricket Team (@VicStateCricket) January 22, 2024
Oops not again, this is serious stuff. He needs to sit down with his team and take a call about the future.
— SandipB (@Badmantalking) January 22, 2024
Will Pucovski's concussion setback
The young Victorian has suffered 11 concussions throughout his short career. Pucovski scored 61 on his national debut at the Sydney Cricket Ground against India in 2021. He was forced out of the starting XI after a shoulder injury, which saw Marcus Harris take his position.
Since his debut, Pucovski has suffered a number of concussions and spent most of the 2021-22 season on the sideline. Pucovski returned to cricket this summer having taken leave for mental health reasons in 2022.
Pucovski isn't the only Aussie batter to have been rocked in recent days. On the final day of the West Indies Test, Usman Khawaja was hit with a ball under his helmet and was taken for scans. The opener also retired injured but has since been given the go ahead to feature in the Gabba second Test.
Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.
