Pucovski returns to Shield squad to face WA

Victoria batting ace Will Pucovski has received medical clearance to make another comeback to first-class cricket this week, after his concussion situation was also reviewed by a panel of specialists earlier this month.

The Vics travel to Perth where they will face Western Australia at the WACA Ground from Wednesday, and with those teams sitting in first and second on the ladder respectively, the match could well be a dress rehearsal for the Marsh Sheffield Shield final the following week.

Pucovski suffered what was thought to be another concussion on the fourth morning of Victoria's Shield match at Adelaide Oval last month when he was struck in the head by a volleyball in a warm-up drill before play.

That match was the right-hander's first top-flight match since his Test debut in January 2021 and he scored 54 in the first innings but he was unable to bat in the second.

In the past fortnight, Pucovski has returned to competition via his Prmier Cricket side Melbourne as well as with Victoria's Second XI, and doctors have now cleared the 24-year-old to return to the elite level.

In a press release issued today, Cricket Victoria revealed they had commissioned an expert panel – "including independent neurologists with expertise in the management of concussion in sport" – to assess their budding star with regards to his ongoing concussion issues.

"The panel’s overwhelming conclusion was that some of the previous injuries sustained had involved low trauma force and therefore were most likely not true concussion, but a form of either post-traumatic migraine or stress-related response," said the release.

Cricket Victoria's Dr Trefor James added: "Will has made positive steps in his recovery from the injury in Adelaide. Given that he has made a full and relatively quick recovery and following the experts’ diagnostic formulation, the panel was happy to support Will in his desire to continue playing.

"Concussion management is, by its nature, incredibly complex and I'd like to thank those on the panel who have provided their support and expertise to allow us to proactively support Will in managing his health and well-being."

Pucovski was also quoted in the release, adding his appreciation for the support he had received as well as the convening of the specialists panel.

"I'm really looking forward to finishing the season back in the squad," he said. "It was so worthwhile to meet with the panel and hear their views on my circumstances.

"Managing my health – physically and mentally – is something I have to live with moving forward and I'm really grateful for everyone's support at Cricket Victoria."