PLENTY OF GOOD WILL ON DISPLAY IN NETS

WILL Pucovski is progressing steadily toward his Test debut on Thursday in Sydney.

The 22- year- old Victorian completed a gruelling exercise drill at the MCG on Saturday and returned on Sunday for an even more important examination.

Rain forced the team indoors for the start of the 9am session and Pucovski faced the bowlers in those nets before a break in the clouds saw him and Cameron Green, 21, take the opportunity to get a hit on the turf wickets outside.

Pucovski faced the spinners for an extended period, while Green took on a group of quicks who had been roped in for the day.

Justin Langer watched closely. The coach jumped in and told Green to bend his arm when pulling the short ball, getting him to practice the shot in a few extra throwdowns.

The pair then swapped nets and Pucovski took on the quicks.

There were concerns as to how he would go against the short ball after being concussed early in December during an Australia A tour game against India in Sydney. Pucovski has suffered nine concussions from varying events, dating back to a football game while still at school.

The Victorian, who began the season with a pair of double hundreds in the Sheffield Shield, is carefully monitored and faces independent testing today by a medical specialist.

Justin Langer, who is under pressure given injuries and poor form among his batsmen, grew more relaxed as the young pair took on the bowlers.

Pucovski hooked a ball aimed at the badge of his helmet, rocked backward to avoid another and showed no ill effects from his recent injury.

Pucovski and Cameron are considered the future of Australian cricket and a top six which reads: Warner, Pucovski, Labuschagne, Smith, Wade/ Head and Green, is one to lighten the step of any cricket fan.

Halfway through the net session Langer took off his shoes and allowed himself a little smile.

Greg Chappell said recently Green is the next Ponting and has been equally generous in his praise of Pucovski.

David Warner also completed backto- back training sessions, where he reported sore, but looked to be recovering from a groin tear that has kept him out of the first two Tests.