International Cricket Update: Will Pucovski is recovering from his concussion and could miss the start of the Ashes series against England.
The 23-year-old was injured in training last month and missed Victoria's opening Sheffield Shield live cricket match, putting his chances of making the Test team in jeopardy.
Pucovski was to play in Victoria's match against NSW on Friday, but he got ruled out again. Now, it is a long shot to play in the first Test at The Gabba. Victorian coach Chris Rogers explained why the cricketer got left out again, explaining that they had spoken to Australian physicians and staff.
"He hasn't quite recovered as well as hoped for this game from the concussion," he said.
"In discussions with the medical team and national selectors, it was felt that we'd give him a bit more time before he's selected to play for Australia. These are the decisions we're making in his best interests, and hopefully, we can set him up to play for a long career."
"No doubt it's a setback – I'd say now it's unlikely he'll play in the first Test. If we do play a third Shield game in mid-November, and there may be a second XI game for Victoria, as well, that might prepare him for one of the matches in the middle of The Ashes series."
If the opener gets removed from the first Test, Usman Khawaja or Marcus Harris would likely take his spot with David Warner.
Khawaja has been in excellent form for Queensland, and he was already in discussion to play in the middle order, so his chances of returning to Australia have increased. Pucovski's concussion problems have been recorded, and he also got a shoulder injury while playing against India last summer.