In a significant development, batter Will Pucovski has recovered from his recent concussion setback and has been included in Victoria’s Sheffield Shield squad for a crucial match against New South Wales (NSW). The 25-year-old had missed Victoria’s previous Shield win against South Australia after being struck on the helmet during a 2nd XI game on January 22. However, Pucovski has now been declared fit to play in the upcoming clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) starting on Friday.
David Hussey, Cricket Victoria’s head of male cricket, expressed excitement about Pucovski’s return, stating, “It is fantastic to welcome back our captain in Will Sutherland for the Shield after his international debut, while it is also great to have Will Pucovski back in the squad.”
Pucovski, considered one of Australia’s promising young batters, had experienced delayed symptoms following the helmet blow last month. Having taken leave for mental health reasons in 2022, he made a comeback to cricket this summer after enduring 11 concussions. Before his return, the right-hander had taken a year-long break from the game. In the current Sheffield Shield season, Pucovski has played three matches, with a top score of 65, and also participated in a tour game against Pakistan.
Having only played one Test for Australia against India at the SCG in January 2021, Pucovski made a significant impact with a first-innings score of 62 but suffered a serious shoulder injury in the same match.
Victoria, currently sitting second on the Shield table, has a chance to secure a home final with three matches remaining. The team will travel to Sydney with a full-strength squad, including seven players with international experience.
On the other side, NSW has turned its campaign around with three wins in the last four matches, including defeating reigning champions Western Australia twice.
In other Shield fixtures, Cameron Green will feature for Western Australia (WA) ahead of the New Zealand Test series, while Aaron Hardie returns after Australia limited-overs duty. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey is available for South Australia before the upcoming series against New Zealand.
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