On Tuesday, batsman Will Pucovski, Victoria’s batsman, has reported his mental issues to the team management. The 21-year-old cricketer has also requested the Australia Cricket Association to not consider him for Test selection against Pakistan due to his mental health condition and the team management has agreed that he could finish the three-day tour game against Pakistan.
The right-handed batsman, who is in contention for one of the middle-order spots in the Test squad, was competing with Travis Head for the same.
Cricket Australia’s chief of national teams, Ben Oliver, said “We applaud Will for having the courage to discuss his situation with team management in Perth. He added, “Will’s decision not to nominate for Test selection was the right one in the circumstances and one that everyone in the Australian cricket family supports.”
Previously, after the Australian former cricketers, Glenn Maxwell and Nic Maddinson, have admitted their mental issues to the Australia Cricket Association, Pucovski joined the list.
Cricket Australia’s Sports Science and Sports Medicine Manager, Alex Kountouris, said, ” There is much society still needs to learn in relation to mental health, but we know enough to say with great certainty that silence is not the answer, and Cricket Australia has committed to being open about the challenges faced in managing mental health. We are putting player well-being first and supporting them unconditionally. That’s something we’re proud of.”
He added, “Will has demonstrated great strength in being open about his situation. While no one wants to see a fine young man like Will confronting mental wellbeing issues, we are heartened by the fact he is surrounded by excellent people who will support him. We are all right behind him.”
Cricket Australia is going to announce the squad for the two Tests against Pakistan on Thursday.
