Why former Australian Test opener Will Pucovski had a forceful retirement from cricket at 26?

Once touted as the next big thing in Australian cricket, Will Pucovski has been forced to retire from the sport at the age of 26. The right-handed batter played a single Test against India in 2021 in Sydney before his injury ended his career. 

Will Pucovski has been forced to retire due to multiple concussions which he suffered during his career. Channel Nine reporter Tom Morris reported the news via his X handle on Thursday afternoon to shock the fans. 

At the age of 26, Will Pucovski’s professional cricket career is sadly over following a recommendation from a panel of experts. His last concussion was in March.

Details coming up shortly on @9NewsMelb 🏏 @SEN_Cricket

— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) August 29, 2024

Tom Morris wrote, “My understanding is that an independent panel of experts recommended Pucovski retire three months ago, and all that’s left is for Cricket Victoria and his team to formalise that contractually. The news doesn’t come as a surprise to teammates of Pucovski who haven’t seen him at training all pre-season he’s been travelling overseas.”

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Young career snapped due to constant injuries 

Will Pucovski made his First Class debut just a day before he turned 19 years old. Playing for Victoria against New South Wales the youngster scored 28 in his first innings. In the 2nd dig, the youngster didn’t bat due to an injury. 

This became a constant theme in his career as injuries and concussions bothered him. His good form with the bat also got him a call-up for the Sri Lankan Test series at home but he didn’t get to play. 

The Test debut finally came against India a month before he turned 23. In his first innings, he scored a measured 62 off 110 balls with 4 hits to the fence before falling to fellow debutant Navdeep Saini. In the 2nd innings, Pucovski scored 10 runs from 16 balls before being dismissed by Mohammed Siraj. 

Will Pucovski injured himself while fielding on the final day of the Test match? That sadly was the last time he was seen in the Australian colours. In the next few years, the youngster had a stop-and-start career as hits to the head caused concussions. 

With the Australian authorities deciding that few more injuries could be dangerous, the once promising career of Will Pucovski has come to an end. At the age of 26, when he should have been a regular in the Australian team, the talented batter has had to say goodbye to the sport.