Pucovski concussed, subbed out of Shield match

Will Pucovski, the bright young batting talent whose career has been beset by injury, has suffered another bout of concussion bringing a premature end to his much awaited first-class cricket comeback.

Pucovski, who made his Test debut against India last year but in the process suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery, was reportedly struck in the head during this morning's pre-game warm-up prior to the start of the final day of Victoria's Marsh Sheffield Shield match at Adelaide Oval.

While the details of the blow Pucovski suffered remain unknown, he was considered sufficiently well to take the field when play resumed with Victoria chasing SA's final three second innings wickets.

However, after fielding the first two deliveries that rolled gently to him at mid-on, Pucovski was seen with hands on knees after the third ball of the day was bowled and immediately called to the team dug out to be replaced.

When SA was bowled out a short time later, and Victoria were about to begin their pursuit of 316 for victory, match referee Simon Fry was seen in lengthy discussions with Redbacks coach Jason Gillespie and Victoria skipper Peter Handscomb.

Victoria then took to the crease with Nic Maddinson opening in place of Pucovski alongside Test opener Marcus Harris with 12th man Travis Dean in the practice nets receiving throw-downs from assistant coach Ben Wright.

Cricket Australia at-match doctor Geoff Verrall then consulted with Fry and Dean was confirmed as concussion substitute for Victoria at lunch as Pucovski left Adelaide Oval accompanied by Cricket Victoria.

And when Victoria 12th man Travis Dean headed to the nets Cricket Australia doctor Geoff Verrall was seen chatting to Fry early in Victoria's innings with Cricket Victoria General Manager Cricket Performance Shaun Graf.

Cricket Victoria released a statement shortly after lunch when Dean was entered into the match. 

"Victoria has activated the concussion substitute on Day 4 of its Marsh Sheffield Shield match against South Australia at Adelaide Oval," they said.

"Will Pucovski will be replaced in the XI by Travis Dean.

"Pucovski reported concussion symptoms to medical staff while fielding in the first session of play this morning.

"He will continue to be monitored by Cricket Victoria medical staff."

It's believed to be the 11th concussion 24-year-old Pucovski has sustained in his cricket career during which he's also been recognised as one of the promising and prolific young batters Australia has produced.

Upon his return from shoulder surgery late last year, the right-hander was struck in the head at training for Victoria further delaying his return to senior cricket.

Pucovski made 54 in Victoria's first innings of the current Shield match against SA in his first hit-out at first-class level since his Test debut at the SCG in January 2021