Will Pucovski to take indefinite break from cricket for mental health reasons
Victoria's prodigious opening batsman Will Pucovski has stepped away from the game once again for mental health reasons.
The 24-year-old who played one Test for Australia in 2021 has previously taken sabbaticals for what he has described as "mental wellbeing" reasons, and has separately been sidelined for long periods due to concussions.
He will be unavailable for Victoria's upcoming Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania starting Saturday, and there is no indication of when he will return.
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"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," Cricket Victoria's General Manager of Cricket Performance Graham Manou said on Thursday.
Will Pucovski of Victoria warms up during the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Western Australia on October 19. Getty
Pucovski had started the domestic summer superbly, scoring a double-century for Victoria in the second XI competition and then 64 in the season-opening Sheffield Shield game.
That form had dipped a little more recently, with Pucovski scoring 0, 9 and 37 in the Shield and five in a one-dayer against WA. He did not play in this week's Shield fixture in Launceston.
Shield rookie Ashley Chandrasinghe, who has yet to represent his state, has been brought into the Victorian team to replace Pucovski.
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
