Advertisement

'Got to pick him': Cricket greats back Will Pucovski for Aussie debut

australian associated press
·2-min read
Victorian batsman Will Pucovski is pictured celebrating his Sheffield Shield double century against Western Australia.
Victorian batsman Will Pucovski has pushed his case for Test selection with back-to-back double centuries in the Sheffield Shield. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke says Cricket Australia reward Victorian batsman Will Pucovski’s stellar Sheffield Shield form with a Test selection.

Pucovski is practically barging down the proverbial selection door thanks to scoring successive double-centuries for Victoria, the first batsman since Clarke himself to achieve the feat at first-class level.

'MADNESS': Cricket world stunned by 'never-before-seen' gaffe

ALL OVER: Shane Watson retires from all forms of cricket

Eventually caught out for 202 against Western Australia, Pucovski’s second double-century came days after both he and fellow opener Marcus Harris reached the mark against South Australia.

The first Victorian batsman to achieve back-to-back double centuries since the late Dean Jones, it was Clarke’s opinion that Pucovski was ready to represent Australia.

“Got to pick him, the decision is made just on runs,” Clarke told Big Sports Breakfast on Monday morning, when Pucovski was still at 180 not-out.

“It’s against a good team, India, but this kid is ready.

“You don’t get a big double-hundred and 180 not-out if you’re not ready.”

At tea on day two, WA were 2-98 in response to the Bushrangers' 4(dec)-414.

Pucovski was eventually out for 202 on Monday at Karen Rolton Oval, caught off the substitute fielder from the bowling of Matthew Kelly (3-84).

Cricket greats back Will Pucovski for Test debut

Pucovksi's extraordinary achievement has left cricket fans in awe, with many insisting that his Aussie Test selection is a fait accompli.

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell told ABC Grandstand that the youngster is more than ready to make his Test debut for Australia.

"What's that now? Six or seven first class centuries? That includes a couple of double [centuries]. He's ready," Chappell said.

"I don't know whose idea it was to open for Victoria.... he must have at least agreed to it anyhow.

"His timing is very good. I'd be opening with him."

The Aussie Test legend said Pucovski deserves a crack at opening alongside Warner for Australia, given the scratchy form of incumbent Joe Burns - who has scored a paltry 36 runs in three innings this season.

"Burns has made not many runs at all in this summer and there comes a time where you think to yourself, 'well, where is Burns going?' He's probably not going anywhere, really, and it's time to have a look at Pucovski," Chappell added.

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.