Mental health forces Pucovski out

SYDNEY: Will Pucovski pulled out of contention for a place in Australia’s Test team to play Pakistan on Thursday due to mental health issues.

The 21-year-old informed management of his decision during Australia A’s three-day clash against Pakistan in Perth, which ended in a draw on Wednesday and was seen as a “bat-off” with at least two Test spots up for grabs.

Pucovski scored five in his only knock. “We applaud Will for having the courage to discuss his situation with team management in Perth,” said Cricket Australia’s head of national teams Ben Oliver.

“Will’s decision not to nominate for Test selection was the right one in the circumstances and one that everyone in the Australian cricket family supports.” The first Test starts next week in Brisbane.

Pucovski’s decision comes just days after middle-order batsman Nic Maddinson withdrew from the Australia A match for similar reasons.

That move came after shortformat specialist Glenn Maxwell opted to take a “short” break from cricket to deal with similar challenges.

Pucovski, who announced himself with a 243 for Victoria against Western Australia last season, has a history of mental health battles. Following that double century, he took a long break.

Australia Test squad: Tim Paine (capt), Cameron Bancroft, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James

Pattinson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.