Pucovski eases back into selection frame
THE multi-step process for Will Pucovski to get back in the frame for Test selection is likely to start with a return to Victorian training later this week.
His state teammate Nic Maddinson could be even closer, with a potential return to the team for next week’s Sheffield Shield clash against NSW.
Both recently removed themselves from selection consideration to address their mental wellbeing, shortly after Australian white-ball star Glenn Maxwell did the same.
All three have visited their state teammates at the MCG — Maxwell and Pucovski were at Sunday’s one-day game against NSW - and had conversations with interim coach Lachlan Stevens.
It’s understood Maddinson could potentially play club cricket this weekend before returning to training next week ahead of the Shield game at the MCG.
The absence of the trio has created rare opportunities for talented young players including 17-year-old phenom Jake Fraser-McGurk, who made dual half centuries in his Shield and one-day debuts.
Having finished school for the year, the teen star is free to concentrate on cricket and will most likely get a second Shield start against NSW next week.
After rolling out a one-day team on Tuesday which featured six players aged 22 or under, Victorian chairman of selectors Andrew Lynch said the youngsters would also get red ball exposure.
“These are the talented young players we have identified in the recent times that we have been trying to get in to our side whether it be Shield or one-day cricket, for a few years now,” Lynch said.
“The opportunity has arisen to play them due to some health issues with some of our players, some injuries, and the position we find ourselves in both competitions.
“We’ve got to look at our personnel and who’s available, but we’ll look at these players on their merits for the next six Shield games … all of them are a chance to play in any game for Victoria.”
Shield champions in four of the past five seasons, are winless after four rounds.
Maxwell is yet to indicate when he may return to training. It’s expected he will link up with the Melbourne Stars, where he’s likely to be captain again, before the Big Bash.