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Will Pucovski fatally struck by a bouncer during Sheffield Shield match (Source: X)
In a horrific incident, Australia's Will Pucovski suffered a concussion after being hit by a fatal bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Sunday, March 3. The Victoria batter was forced to retire hurt after the ball hit his helmet as he failed to leave the delivery from Tasmania fast bowler Riley Meredith in time.
The incident happened in the fourth innings of the match when Victoria was chasing a target of 442 runs. Walking in at number three, Pucovski suffered a blow on the head of his second delivery from right-arm pacer Meredith. The 26-year-old tried to duck against a delivery that shot up from the pitch. It hit him fatally on the helmet and he immediately went down on his knees in the crease.
Watch the video below:
Luckless Victorian Will Pucovski, again hit by a short ball. He's gone off, retired hurt. Awful to see. @9NewsMelb pic.twitter.com/sp1YtP5Owd
— Trent Kniese (@trent_kniese) March 3, 2024
The on-field umpires, teammates, Cricket Australia doctor and Victoria's physio rushed into the middle to check on the cricketer. However, Pucovski was able to leave the field for further evaluation shortly after, according to reports. Campbell Kellaway was brought into the XI as the concussion substitute. It is unlikely that the Pucovski will take any further part in the match.
"Pucovski, who walked from the field, is being monitored by medical staff. More information will be provided at a later stage," a Cricket Victoria statement said.
It's been a bit of a reality check: Pucovski on suffering multiple concussions
Will Pucovski is regarded as one of the promising batters in the Australian domestic circuit. He has been a victim of on-field concussions since the start of his career. Notably, the right-hander had suffered three concussions before his First-Class debut. In 2022, when asked about suffering multiple concussions, Pucovski said:
“It's not great. It's one of those things that I've got to deal with, and its ramifications, work through it and hopefully play some consistent cricket. It has been stop-start for me, but [it's about] sending yourself to play, to put all of your goals and ambitions to one side and make sure you're having fun while playing and working through all those issues,” Pucovski told ESPNcricinfo.
“It's been a bit of a reality check - that cricket isn't everything and there is so much more to life. For me, it's just been good to learn so much about myself as a person, [rather than] if I'd just had a breezy ride and walked into every team and did well. I definitely have no regrets or sadness because of anything that's happened. It's all a part of the journey to take me to where I am,” he added.