The time is right to hand Will Pucovski a Test debut.
That’s according to former Test batsman Brad Hodge who hailed Pucovski as a “one in a generation” talent after his amazing start to the Sheffield Shield season.
The 22-year-old Victorian backed up his 255 not out against South Australia with 183 not out against Western Australia taking his season aggregate to 438 runs without being dismissed.
“You know what it’s like when you come across a sportsman that’s just got every tool you need to be a superstar, and Will’s it,” Hodge told SEN Breakfast.
“He's a one in a generation where he can play 100 Test matches and given the circumstances around his health, hopefully that’s fine, now is as good a time as ever to get him in the Test side.
“Going back a year and a half ago, he was pretty close to being selected in the Test side but just had to fight through those personal issues.
“The temperament of the young kid is outstanding so physically, mentally and skilfully he’s in a pretty good place.”
With six first-class centuries already under his belt, Pucovski is in the frame to replace incumbent opener Joe Burns for the first Test against India with former Australian captains Ian Chappell and Kim Hughes calling for his inclusion.
Burns has scored just 46 runs from four Shield knocks and is in desperate need of a big score in Queensland’s second innings against South Australia.
“As I mentioned, he’s a one in a generation player that can go on and play 100 Test matches, there’s not many of them, and to play 100 Test matches you have to get in there early,” Hodge said.
“For me, I’ve seen Will play a number of times and he is one of the most skilfully, talented cricketers I’ve ever seen.
“We talk about time, and it doesn’t matter what sport it is, he has time on his side when he’s playing deliveries which others struggle with so it’s a special quality.”
Pucovski is eyeing a third first-class double century when Victoria resumes at 1-322 on Day 2 against WA at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide.