Cricket Victoria general manager Shaun Graf believes young opener Will Pucovski will be fit for the first Ashes Test in December if selected.
The Australia revealed on Thursday afternoon that Pucovski had suffered yet another concussion, believed to be the tenth of his career.
There was considerable concern around the 23-year-old’s welfare due to the high number of concussions he has suffered in his young career.
However, Graf gave hope to Australian fans with the revelation that Pucovski is “fine.”
“He was in here today, he’s fine,” Graf told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“It wasn’t a major concussion of any sort but he did get a hit, so the protocols were put in place and they do show that he has a slight concussion.
“He feels good in himself, he had some headaches but that seems to have dissipated by now.
“We’re very hopeful by next week or so that he’ll be back at training and away we go.”
The talented Victorian was expected to make his debut in the first Test against India last summer but missed the opening two matches of that series after suffering a concussion playing for Australia A.
He eventually kicked off his national career in the third Test against India earlier this year, scoring 62 in the first innings.
He was expected to partner David Warner in the 2021/22 Ashes series in what will be just his second Test match.
“It’s definitely not a major setback,” Graf said.
“Obviously he’s such a talent, Australian cricket and everyone around, including the Victorian medical staff and Australian staff have got to understand that when he does cop a knock, he had a different reaction to a lot of other people because of the amount of concussions he’s had.
“So, we’re taking a more conservative approach to make sure everything is alright, the last thing we want to expose him as we lead into the season.”
Graf also revealed how the incident occurred, and hopes the opener can fit as early as the end of the month.
“Purely and simply, he was in the indoor nets and one of the coaches was basically throwing balls, it was a short ball and it basically collected him on the side of the head in a hook shot,” he said.
“I think he’ll be fine, we’re very hopeful that he’ll still be available for Victoria’s first game, which could be before the end of the month.
“It’s a wait and see, obviously we’re guided by medical opinion, but certainly from our discussions and the way our medical staff feel is that he should be hopefully available.
“And if he is available, he can hopefully put a big score on the board and force his way into the side.”
The first of five Ashes Test matches begin on December 8 at the Gabba.
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