Potentially in line for a Test debut against India, Australian batsman Will Pucovski suffered a concussion after being struck on the helmet by pacer Kartik Tyagi during the warm-up game against India A on Tuesday and was ruled out of the second tour game starting December 11.
Considered a sure-shot selection for the series-opener, beginning December 17 in Adelaide, with David Warner ruled out owing to an injury, Pucovski was batting on 23 when he was hit on the helmet by a delivery from Tyagi in the 13th over of Australia A’s second innings.
“Will experienced mild concussion symptoms but was able to leave the field unassisted,” team doctor John Orchard said in a statement posted by cricket.Com.Au.
“He was monitored in our medical room and was communicating freely with staff and teammates as well as family over the phone.
“Will will remain with the Australia A squad but will not play in the three-day tour match against India at the SCG,” he added.
Pucovski was hit on the front of his protective equipment and he fell to his knees, staying there for a few minutes before managing to walk off the field.
The 22-year-old opener was immediately attended to by the medical team even as he dropped the bat and remained on his hands and knees for a few minutes on the pitch.
The impact had put a question mark on his availability for the first Test but Cricket Australia confirmed that he was able to walk after being attended by team doctor John Orchard.