The probable Australian cricketer for the Test squad, Will Pucovksi has announced that he will be taking a break from cricket for an indefinite period of time as he battles mental health-related issues. The declaration comes amid a superb start to the domestic season, which saw the 20-year-old scoring 243 runs for Victoria versus Western Australia in his seventh Sheffield Shield innings.
Pucovksi was withdrawn from this week’s Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales and Cricket Victoria confirmed that he will not return to cricket until he is completely ready. Describing his health, Cricket Victoria’s doctor Trefor James said, “Will’s health remains our highest priority and Cricket Victoria’s medical staff will continue to provide support to Will during this time.”
Despite his evident talent, the right-hander has suffered multiple concussions due to a number of blows to the head in his brief career which has slowed down his career progression.
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Describing the situation further, Cricket Victoria’s general manager Shaun Graf said, “Will is a terrific young player and we need to do what’s best for him at this time. We’ll continue to work with our medical staff to determine the best training and preparation plan to support Will at this time.”
Last week, Pucovski scored 243 during a Sheffield Shield game at the WACA and he batted for a day to reach the score as he faced as many as 313 balls. Meanwhile, he also became the youngest double-century in the Australian domestic cricket after Ricky Ponting. It was Pucovski’s second century in seven Shield innings and took his first-class batting average to 52.
The legendary Australian cricketer, Steve Waugh was so impressed with the young lad that he ends up predicting that Will should step into Australia’s Test setup after latter scoring his double century.
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Pucovski joins a long list of cricketers who have taken a break due from their playing career to mental health-related issues, including former international cricketers like Andrew Flintoff, Shaun Tait, Jonathan Trott, Marcus Trescothick, and England wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor, who is still active.
