Video: Will Pucovski nearly tons up following return to field after head knock

Victorian and Australian opening batter Will Pucovski returned to the field after being hit in the head by a bouncer, eventually falling just short of a century for Victoria’s second XI.

Tyler Lewis and Daniel Cherny

less than 2 min read

January 22, 2024 - 6:14PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Pucovski was treated by the trainers.

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Will Pucovski fell within sight of a century after a dramatic day in which he retired hurt following a head knock before being cleared to play again.

Opening the batting for Victoria’s second XI in Adelaide on Monday, Pucovski was 42 not out when he missed a short ball from South Australian quick David Grant.

The umpire immediately called dead ball and summoned a Victorian medico to the field.

Pucovski was assessed by trainers and was cleared to continue but he then left the field during the next over.

It’s understood Pucovski felt dizzy after running between the wickets, prompting him to retire hurt.

He subsequently took a SCAT concussion test and was given the green light to resume.

A Cricket Victoria spokesman confirmed that the one-Test batter would return to the match.

“Victorian batter Will Pucovski has been cleared to resume batting in Victoria’s 2nd XI game against South Australia in Adelaide,” CV said.

“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.”

He eventually fell for 89 late on day one of the match.

Pucovski, 26, played one Test for Australia, where he made a half-century against India in early 2021 at the SCG. His lone appearance for his country came either side of what has been a litany of breaks for the game related to head knocks, mental health issues and a shoulder injury sustained on his Test debut.

Having had a stint playing club cricket in the Surrey League last year, He played five of Victoria’s six Sheffield Shield matches before the Big Bash League break, performing modestly.

It’s understood his Victorian contract is due to expire at season’s end.

He took indefinite leave in October 2022 and made his return through Premier Cricket outfit Melbourne in January 2023.

The incident comes just weeks after Pucovski’s close friend Sam Harper suffered a gruesome knock while batting in the nets for the Melbourne Stars.

Originally published as Video: Will Pucovski nearly tons up following return to field after head knock