Will Pucovski ruled out of PM's XI clash due to concussion, with ODI squad member Sam Heazlett taking his place
Heazlett called in to Prime Minister's XI
Victorian young gun Will Pucovski has been ruled out of next week's Prime Minister's XI clash against Sri Lanka, with Queensland batsman Sam Heazlett to take his place for the match in Canberra.
Pucovski sustained a concussion while fielding on Sheffield Shield debut for the Victoria Bushrangers last week, which caused him to take no further part in the match.
The 19-year-old will continue to be monitored by Cricket Victoria medical staff before he is cleared to return to training.
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Heazlett returned to Sheffield Shield duties for Queensland on Friday after making his one-day international debut for Australia during the Chappell-Hadlee series in New Zealand.
"Sam is a really exciting young batsman and the Prime Minister’s XI match will offer him another chance to face an international bowling attack," National Talent Manager and interim National Selector Greg Chappell said.
"His talent has already been recognised by the National Selection Panel, and we look forward to him grasping this opportunity against Sri Lanka with both hands."
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke will coach the Prime Minister’s XI squad that will tackle Sri Lanka in a T20 match.
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Clarke will mentor a side led by captain Adam Voges that includes veteran George Bailey, former Test opener Joe Burns, Victoria paceman James Pattinson and a host of the brightest young talent in the country.
The annual PM’s XI fixture will be Clarke’s first elite coaching opportunity since he retired from international cricket at the conclusion of the 2015 Ashes in the UK.
The 115-Test veteran has a side brimming with youth and experience for the one-off match at Manuka Oval on February 15.
Exciting teenagers Arjun Nair and Jason Sangha will get a golden opportunity to showcase their abilities against an international opponent.
PM's XI squad: Adam Voges (c), George Bailey, Joe Burns, Alex Carey, Sam Heazlett, Arjun Nair, James Pattinson, Jason Sangha, D'Arcy Short, Henry Thornton, Daniel Worrall, Matthew Gikes (12th man)