Ashes 2021-22: Australian opener Will Pucovski ruled out of first Test

Will Pucovski will not be able to take the field for the Australian side in the first Ashes Test match that will commence on 8th December 2021. Pucovski is also out of Victoria’s next Sheffield Shield encounter as well.

Pucovski has suffered from concussion-related issues in his career. Victoria’s Head Coach Chris Rogers said that it is indeed a setback, and it is unlikely that the right-handed batter will play the Ashes opener.

Rogers also added that Pucovski has not yet recovered to play the Sheffield Shield competition for Victoria as well. Rogers also revealed that Pucovski has been given more time to recover upon consultation with the medical team as well as the selectors.

“It’s no doubt a setback. I’d say now it’s unlikely he will play in the first Test. He hasn’t quite recovered as well as hoped to play in this (Shield) game from the concussion. So in discussions with the medical team and the national selectors, it was felt we give him a bit more time before we select him to play for Victoria,” said Rogers according to The West Australian.

Will Pucovski wants to play for Australia for a long time to come: Chris Rogers

Chris Rogers also added that Pucovski will be frustrated as well. Stating that Pucovski has not played for 7 months, Rogers said that it will be difficult for Pucovski to walk back and start performing straight away.

“No doubt there’s a lot of frustration for him, he wants to be playing. He hasn’t played for seven months and to walk straight back into the cauldron and have to perform against very good opposition, that is going to be really difficult,” said Rogers.

Rogers also added that giving Pucovski time will be the best way to go forward, and said that Pucovski will not be rushed back into playing. Rogers concluded by stating that Pucovski is a talented player and will want to play for Australia for a long time.

“The decision is to look after him and allow him a bit more time to prepare in the right way rather than rush him into matches that are going to have a lot of intensity and a lot of scrutiny for him. Of course he wants to play for Australia for a long time to come. There’s a strong desire to get him into that Australian side because he’s such a talented player and a lot of people recognise it,” concluded Rogers.