Talented Australian cricketer Will Pucovski has suffered another concussion, putting his career in jeopardy.
The Victorian was forced to leave with an injury after being hit on the helmet during Victoria's Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania in Hobart on Sunday.
Pucovski has suffered extensive concussion injuries during his time as a cricketer, and the latest blow could lead to his retirement.
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Will Pucofsky's Latest Concussion Video
Pucovski dropped his bat and fell to the ground after being hit by bouncer Riley Meredith.
Medics and teammates rushed to the 26-year-old's side, but he appeared extremely uncomfortable.
Unfortunately Victorian Will Pucovski was hit by a short ball. He retired due to injury. Terrible to watch. @9NewsMelb pic.twitter.com/sp1YtP5Owd
— Trent Kniese (@trent_kniese) March 3, 2024
Pucovski eventually got up and left the field, and Victoria brought in Campbell Kellaway as a concussion replacement.
“Will is currently in the hands of medical professionals,” Cricket Victoria said in a statement to Fox Cricket.
“We will provide an update in due course.”
Will Pucofsky's Concussion History
- I hit my head during a football game (high school)
- During cricket practice, I was hit by a ball from another batsman (teenager)
- I hit my head on the doorknob at home (teen)
- Victoria hit her head in the outfield on her first-class debut (February 2017)
- Helmet collision during one-day match against Queensland (October 2017)
- Helmet hit again during Futures League game (November 2017)
- Collision while bending over bouncer during Sheffield Shield vs. NSW (March 2018)
- A bat stuck in the grass and I fell on my head (February 2020)
- Suffered concussion during Australia A vs. India match (November 2020)
- Hit on the head while throwing down (October 2021)
- Getting hit by a volleyball while warming up (February 2022)
- Recurred concussion while playing in Victoria's second eleven (January 2024)
- Worked as a bouncer in the Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania (March 2024)
Will Pucovski retire from cricket?
It is unclear whether Pucovski will retire from cricket anytime soon, but with each blow to the head, that decision becomes more likely.
The Australian has already taken a number of extended breaks from cricket to recover from concussion and look after his mental health.
Pucovski first took six weeks off in the summer of 2018-19 before suffering a concussion during the Sheffield Shield in March 2018.
In October 2022, Pucovski took an indefinite leave from cricket and returned through grade cricket in January 2023.
Pucovski has often spoken out about concerns about his mental health.
“The concussion thing is definitely relevant, but there's also a lot of talk about retirement when it comes to concussions,” Pucovski said on the Vic State Cricket podcast last month.
“[Victoria coach Chris Rogers]was definitely right that the concussion was masking a bigger issue and that it was a mental health issue.
“For me, mental health was a much bigger issue than the concussion.
“I'm not worried about my long-term health. It's more about my mental health.”
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