Pucovski gets all clear to face Indian bouncer barrage
WILL Pucovski has been declared physically and mentally ready to face the bouncer barrage that will accompany his highly anticipated Test debut at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
India has already flagged their intention to ruthlessly attack Pucovski once he crosses the white line, with his history of
concussion no protection from the laws of the jungle.
Australian fast bowling spearhead Pat Cummins and back-up quick Michael Neser both tested Pucoski with rapid short-balls in the nets on Tuesday, and the young prodigy looked unperturbed as he ducked and weaved - sharing the same net as the man he’s expected to open with; David Warner.
Justin Langer is adamant Pucovski does not have an issue facing bouncers, despite his record of copping blows to the head and player and coach have both taken enormous confidence from the advice of an independent neurologist that the 22-year-old’s history won’t necessarily have any impact on his long-term health.
Before he was struck on the side of the helmet during a tour match against the Indians last month, Pucovski had made an irresistible case for selection with back-to-back double centuries for Victoria.
But it wasn’t just the mountain of runs.
The untold story is the onslaught of short-pitched bowling he copped from South Australia and Western Australia in those two Sheffield Shield matches.
It’s understood Redbacks spearhead Wes Agar – no slouch at 140km/h – unleashed at Pucovski with four or five spells of unrelenting short-pitched bowling.
It wasn’t for the faint-hearted. But after lunch on day two, Pucovski rocked back and pulled
Agar for runs. From that point on he stood up to every bouncer that was sent his way and finished 255 not out.
In Victoria’s second fixture, West Australia’s fast bowling twins Matthew Kelly and Cameron Gannon gave up on pitching it up to Pucovski after nine overs and made a concerted effort to target the upstairs department.
Pucovski was equal to the task again and finished 202.