One-Test opener Will Pucovski has made a big move in his push for a return to the Australian team by signing his first deal to play county cricket in the UK.
It comes a week after he sent shudders through the sport when he was forced to retire hurt after copping a hit to the helmet while batting for a Victorian Second XI.
Pucovski has a long history of concussion issues, having also taken a series of mental-health breaks from the game that have limited his capacity to add to the one Test he played against India in January 2021.
After the latest head knock, however, the 25-year-old batting dynamo passed a concussion test and returned to the crease, falling just short of a century.
But he was withdrawn from the remainder of the match after consultation with team medical staff and with his “history in mind”.
That decision was also made in order for Pucovski to prepare for the resumption of the Sheffield Shield season, with the opener likely to take his place in the Victorian team that will take on South Australia at the Junction Oval in Melbourne from Saturday.
Pucovski has played club cricket in England before but will get his first stint in the top flight, joining Leicestershire on a short-term deal that will begin in April. He will play the opening four games of the season, concluding with a match at Lord’s.
He’ll be joining Victorian teammate Peter Handscomb at the Division Two outfit.
“Talking to Pete, he couldn’t speak more highly about the environment and (the) club’s group of players and staff,” Pucovski said.
“I can’t wait to get over there and be part of a successful start to the season.”
While Pucovski has fallen down the pecking order of potential Australian batters in recent summers, he remains highly thought of and with opener Usman Khawaja having just turned 37, expectations are he may have limited time left in the national team.
Steve Smith will also turn 35 in June, with turnover among the side expected in the coming years.
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