The Australian batter William Jan Pucovski has been ruled out of the Victoria Sheffield Shield clash against South Australia after experiencing concussion symptoms in the 2nd game last week.
Will Pucovski Ruled out of Sheffield Shield
The 25-year-old batter Will Puckvski had a blow on the head attempting a pull shot in the match at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide. He was forced to retire hurt in the match.
He passed his initial concussion tests and was cleared to resume batting. He then scored 89 runs on 146 deliveries where he helped the side to win the match.
But he was ignored for the match after completing the first innings as a precaution ahead of the upcoming Shield season. Victoria did not name Pucovski in their 13-member squad to face South Australia.
Victoria’s head David Hussey revealed that the decision was made due to the player suffering delayed concussion symptoms.
“Will passed the relevant tests following the knock in Adelaide last week but has subsequently experienced symptoms over the following days,” Hussey said.
“We’ve spoken to our medical staff and the advice is clear that he won’t be able to play this match. While he’s in otherwise good spirits, Will must focus on recovering with the support of our broader team.”
Pucovski has had a dozen concussions in his career since his participation as a junior. He has played five games out of six shield games before the BBL games. He did not play in the match against Queensland.
Since his debut in 2017, Pucovski has not played a full domestic season. He was close to completing the 2019-20 season where he played for Victoria, four List A matches and six Shielf matches, before taking a break in December.
He signed a deal to play for Leicestershire in the first five games of the County Championship season starting in April.
Meanwhile, Wicketkeeper Sam Harper has been cleared to play after suffering a horrific head injury while training at Melbourne Stars in the BBL 2023-24.
Harper ramped a ball into his throat while batting in nets and was sent to hospital. He missed the last three games of the BBL due to concussion but has been cleared to play against South Australia.
“Sam has completed all stages of the medical return to play,” Hussey said. “He has no ongoing symptoms and feels confident ahead of Saturday’s game.”
Sutherland and Matt Short be unavailable after being included in the ODI squad for the 3-match series on the West Indies tour of Australia 2024.
Victoria and South Australia will be playing the Sheffield Shield match on February 03 at Junction Oval.
