Australia should not give up on Pucovsky despite concussion problems, Gilchrist says

The struggles with Will Pucovsky’s concussion are disappointing for the young opener, but Australian selectors should be patient with him, former Test wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said.

Pucovsky suffered the 10th blow of his career after being hit by a ball in training months ago and is still suffering from symptoms. The 23-year-old has been out of the Brisbane Ashes test since Dec. 8.

“It’s really sad, frustrating for him at first,” Gilchrist told Reuters.

“I can’t imagine going through that kind of disappointment and physical challenge, trying to lift yourself up and get fit and ready to go.

“I would assume that although he is keen and keen to pursue an international career, he will always be in the conversation when he is fit, as talented as he is.

“Of course (David) Warner is nearing the end of his career, and there will be another opening in the future anyway.

“So we hope that Pucovsky will overcome it and we will be able to see that he fulfills all the potential that we have heard and seen.”

Pucovsky made his test debut in January against India in Sydney, but injured his shoulder in the match and was replaced by opener Marcus Harris for the fourth test in Brisbane.

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Victoria batter Harris has dropped twice in his 10 Test career and scored less than 10 on average against England when Australia held on to Ashes in 2019.

Experienced batsman Usman Khawaja, meanwhile, launched a compelling case last month with Warner for two consecutive centuries in Sheffield Shield matches.

Although not a selector, test captain Tim Paine has named Harris over Khawaja for proving Pucovski unfit to open the Ashes, and Gilchrist agreed.

“I was hoping he would probably be a precedent and show good signs early in the Shield season,” Gilchrist said of Harris, who scored in a Shield match against New South Wales in the last century.

“The challenge will be to consolidate the position.”

Warner had a tremendous series against England in 2019, where he averaged 9.50 and was sidelined by pitcher Stuart Broad seven times.

With less than half a century to go before Sri Lanka in a T20 World Cup team match, Warner’s form has raised alarm bells.

However, Gilchrist held on to the 35-year-old left-hander to bounce back from home against England.

“Warner’s record is like a different player who has been abroad,” he said.

“It’s a fresh start in cool conditions.

“We hope he comes out really enthusiastic and enthusiastic and confident. He’s a real fighter and clapper.”