Published: Feb 01, 2019, 05:19 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 01, 2019, 05:19 PM (IST)
Will Pucovski has been released from Australia’s Test squad in Canberra with the cricket board’s medical staff citing concerns over his well-being. (ALSO READ: I can’t wait to get up there and in amongst it: Will Pucovski)
“Will Pucovski has been released from the Men’s Test squad and will return home to Melbourne to continue managing his well being,” said team doctor Richard Shaw as reported by cricket.com.au. (ALSO READ: Will Pucovski receives maiden call-up; Burns, Renshaw recalled for Sri Lanka Tests)
The batting prodigy was parachuted into the Australia squad for the two Tests against Sri Lanka in a shock call-up earlier this month, but was benched for the first Test at Brisbane. (ALSO READ: Victorian batting prodigy Will Pucovski takes a break from cricket to counter mental health issues)
Pucovski, 20, made heads turn during his knock of 243 against Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield in October last year – his second First-Class hundred, but took a six-week break from cricket following mental health conditions. He however returned to play one more Shield game scoring 67 against the same opponents.
Prior to it, he had scores of 188 against Queensland in February to go with sizable contributions in Under-23 tournaments.
“He reported some challenges over the past few days, and the decision has been made that the best thing for Will”s welfare is for him to return home to Melbourne. Will has been proactive in this process and while he has made significant progress, he feels this is the best course of action to get ready to play cricket for Victoria,” added Shaw.
The 20-year-old is one of the brightest batting talents in the country, scoring a double century for Victoria last year — the first Australian under 21 to do so since Ricky Ponting.
