Pucovski takes indefinite cricket break

Will Pucovski’s future is in doubt again after Australian cricket’s rising star opted to take indefinite leave from the game.

Cricket Victoria confirmed on Thursday that Pucovski had decided to take time away from the game, marking the 24-year-old’s third period of personal leave.

Pucovski had only just returned at the start of this season after suffering from the 11th concussion of his short career.

He initially toured India as part of a cricket academy in August, before scoring a big century for Victoria’s Second XI in September.

The right-hander has played two Sheffield Shield matches since then and was due to turn out for Victoria in Hobart on Saturday before Thursday’s news.

The latest decision is not believed to be related to any injury.

Cricket Victoria said in a statement they would support Pucovski and asked for privacy.

“Player welfare is always our top priority; we’ll continue to work with Will to ensure he gets the support and space he needs and welcome him back when he’s ready,” high-performance manager Graham Manou said.

Widely regarded as one of the country’s best rising talents, Pucovski has played just the one Test against India in January 2021.

He initially took personal leave in October 2018 after announcing himself a rising star with a double-century against Western Australia for Victoria a week earlier.

The young prodigy was then expected to be named in Australia’s squad at the start of the 2019-20 summer, before withdrawing from contention.

Injuries have also not helped his cause.

His debut was then expected to come in late 2020 against India, but he suffered an ugly concussion in a warm-up match at Drummoyne Oval.

When his debut finally came, he hurt his shoulder diving and was ruled out of the remainder of the summer.

There is no timeline on Pucovski’s leave, with women’s star Meg Lanning also currently on her own indefinite break from the sport.

 

AAP (C) 2022

Victoria’s Will Pucovski is taking another break from cricket this time for personal reasons. (Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS)