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Concussed Pucovski subbed out after freak incident

Young batsman subbed out after taking a heavy tumble when running between wickets for the CA XI against the England Lions

UPDATE: Luckless Victorian Will Pucovski has suffered yet another concussion after falling heavily and hitting his head in a freak incident on the Gold Coast.

Batting for the Cricket Australia XI in their one-day match against the touring England Lions side, Pucovski was attempting a quick single when, as he slid his bat in order to make his ground, his bat stuck in the turf next to the drop-in pitch at Metricon Stadium.

SCORECARD: CA XI v England Lions

As the bat jarred, Pucovski’s momentum meant he fell forward and landed heavily, hitting his head on the ground.

Image Id: 8B5FAE354C37429B83B068E21DD90DD1 Image Caption: Pucovski received medical attention at Metricon Stadium // Getty

Pucovski, who turned 22 today, was assessed by medical staff and failed a concussion test, meaning he was ruled out of the game and replaced in the CA XI side by state teammate Xavier Crone.

“I remember what happened," Pucovski said after play. "Obviously my bat got stuck and I went tumbling over then smacked my head on the ground pretty hard.

“I’m a bit on-off. I feel alright for 15 minutes and then feel a bit average for another 15. I should hopefully be back in action pretty quickly though.

“I’ll just keep in touch with the doctors and hopefully start to reduce a few symptoms, then get back into it.”

The Victorian has a long history of concussion but was not knocked unconscious in the incident and was sitting and talking to teammates on the boundary line as the match continued.

South Australia Jake Lehmann took over the captaincy for the rest of the match, with Pucovski to be monitored ahead of the next game of the series on Tuesday.

Image Id: 55026D66B827464C9CA3D2010E509D37 Image Caption: Pucovski is assisted off the ground // Getty

Pucovski is considered one of the brightest young cricketing prospects in Australia, but his development has been hampered by multiple concussions and a battle with mental illness.

The youngster has had an extraordinary run of bad luck with head knocks, the first of which came during a game of Australian Rules football when he was a teenager.

He has also been hit on the head by an errant ball during a net session, knocked his head on a door at his home in Melbourne and been struck on the helmet during matches for Victoria.

The right-hander was tipped to make his Test debut this summer before he withdrew from the CA XI match against Pakistan in November, citing mental illness.

Having returned to the Marsh Sheffield Shield with Victoria a few weeks later, he was this month named captain of the CA XI for their matches against the Lions.

"Obviously there's been some challenges, but I'm definitely making big strides forward," Pucovski said this week ahead of the first Lions game.

"I like doing it (captaincy). I guess I like thinking about the game, so in that sense it’s really good.

"Anytime you're selected to represent an Australia XI in any capacity is a huge honour.

"I've had a taste of it (Australian selection) here and there and it's been a pretty awesome experience when I have been in there. From a personal point of view I'd love to stay in these colours."

Meanwhile, young Queensland batsman Max Bryant was the star of the CA XI's total of 8-281, slamming a rapid century at the top of the order.

Image Id: 9AFA5A120FB747EA9D13ADBC30603C64 Image Caption: Bryant celebrates his century // Getty

The powerful Brisbane Heat opener hammered 13 fours and five sixes against a Lions attack featuring recent England players Craig Overton, Lewis Gregory and Mason Crane.

Bryant was dismissed in just the 18th over of the innings for 102 from just 60 balls.