Pucovski retires hurt in distressing scenes after another Sheffield Shield head knock
The future of Will Pucovski is again up in the air after the star batter suffered another knock to the head while batting during Victoria’s Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania in Hobart.
Pucovski, facing just his second ball, was struck on the side of the helmet after ducking into a rising Riley Meredith delivery on Sunday.
The 26-year-old immediately hit the turf as players rushed in to check on his welfare.
Pucovski spent the next several minutes on all fours as medical staff attended to him, with the star batter coughing violently at times.
Will Pucovski is checked after being struck on the helmet by Riley Meredith. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)
He eventually made it up on his feet and then slowly staggered off the ground to retire hurt.
The latest blow raises fresh doubts not only over his cricket career, but also his short and long-term health.
Pucovski has suffered at least 11 concussions in his career, and this latest blow seems almost certain to be diagnosed as a concussion as well.
The right-hander played his sole Test in 2021, but took time away from the game in 2022 for mental health reasons.
Just last month, Pucovski posted his first Shield century in more than three years to spark hope that he could get his career back on track.