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Will Pucovski retires hurt after freak concussion

Will Pucovski concussion
by Wisden Staff 3 minute read

Australia batsman Will Pucovski had to retire hurt during Cricket Australia XI’s ODI against England Lions, after he suffered from a concussion while batting.

Pucovski, the CA XI skipper, opted to bat first at the Carrara Oval on Sunday. He walked in to bat in the first over, after opener Caleb Jewell was dismissed for a golden duck. Pucovski added 23 runs in 44 balls, before injuring himself in midway through the innings.

The batsman, who turned 22 today, was trying to steal a quick single when his bat got stuck into the grass next to the pitch, and he fell flat on the ground. He suffered a blow to his head and was unable to get up after the fall. The medical staff rushed on the field to help him, and it was revealed that he was unable to pass the subsequent concussion test. He was replaced by Xavier Crone, his Victoria teammate.

 

This isn’t the first time Pucovski has struggled with head injuries. He took multiple blows last month, and was on the sidelines due to long bouts of concussions.

Pucovski, who took a break from cricket for mental health reasons last year, had returned as the CA XI captain for this tour. However, his participation in the second ODI now remains unclear.

The ODI series has five games, three of which will be played in Queensland, while the last two will be hosted in Sydney. England Lions won the first game by six wickets, as Sam Hain starred with an unbeaten 122.

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