Will Pucovski has been released from the Australia Test squad and will return to Melbourne to continue managing his wellbeing, Cricket Australia confirmed in a media release.
The batsman, who was not picked for the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka at Canberra reported some challenges over the past few days, and the team management decided to send him back home.
“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,” Cricket Australia Doctor, Richard Saw said.
Pucovski, the promising batsman from Victoria, has been battling issues related to his mental health. He had taken an indefinite break from cricket as a result, soon after scoring 243 in a Sheffield Shield game.
The 20-year-old has a history of suffering from concussions. On his first class debut, in February 2017, he was hit on the head by a ball that misbehaved off an uneven outfield. Even in the One-Day Cup that followed, he sustained a similar injury. In March 2018, he was hit on the head by Sean Abbott and was escorted off the field by medical staff.
Earlier this year, Pucovski earned a maiden call-up to the Australia Test squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. He wasn’t picked in the playing XI for either of the two Tests.
“He worked closely with members of his family, Cricket Australia medical staff and Cricket Victoria to reach his decision. Will’s decision to speak up and continue to ask for assistance in managing his ongoing mental health is extremely positive,” Saw said.
“Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria will continue to support Will, and we kindly ask that Will’s privacy is respected so he can continue working towards a return to Premier Cricket and the next round of First Class cricket.”
