Former Australian Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin says he has significant concerns over Will Pucovski after he suffered a concussion in the recently-completed Australia A tour game.
The 22-year-old Victorian appeared on the cusp of making his Test debut against India before being hit late on day three of the warm-up game.
Pucovski has suffered repeated concussions in recent years, delaying his long-awaited debut for Australia.
Haddin said selectors would have a “big concern” over the young gun as they weigh up whether to play him in the coming weeks.
“I think you have to be (concerned about the repeated concussions),” he said on SEN Summer Breakfast.
“To have had nine concussions at such a young age, we know the talent he has – to come off back-to-back double hundreds, I think he would’ve played the Test match if it wasn’t for (suffering another concussion), even with David Warner in the side.
“There is a concern, he’s been struck nine times now and he’s going to get targeted out there.
“He’s obviously talented, it’s obviously a big concern for selectors and his family more so.”
Pucovski’s batting technique has also come under question in some quarters and Haddin, who played 66 Tests for Australia, said it was something he may have to look at adjusting despite batting through the opening two Sheffield Shield rounds without being hit.
“I think it’s something he needs to look at as he’s got hit quite a lot,” he said.
“But in the first two Shield games, he seemed to iron that all out and got back-to-back hundreds.
“It’s a concern technically, you know India have quite an aggressive attack (so he’ll have to be careful if he plays).”
The first Test starts on December 17 at Adelaide Oval.