Doubts over Will Pucovski as concussion symptoms linger

Will Pucovski's return to action for Victoria is in doubt with the batter still experiencing concussion symptoms after the blow he took in training last month casting further uncertainty over whether he will be available for the start of the Ashes.

It had been hoped that Pucovski would be available for the Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales at the MCG starting on November 5, having missed the first fixture in Sydney, but Victoria head coach Chris Rogers said it had yet to be determined. Pucovski has suffered multiple concussions during his career.

"We're monitoring his progress coming back from concussion," Rogers told SEN radio. "We travel back to Victoria today, both New South Wales and Victoria are on the same flight. We'll all go back down to Victoria, so we'll know more when we get in front of him.

"The medical team are constantly talking to him so I think there's still a few symptoms. We've just got to see what happens when it comes to Friday and our next Shield match against New South Wales."

While there is a third Sheffield Shield match lined up between the two states - who can only play each other at the moment due to border restrictions - the players heading to Queensland ahead of the Ashes, which will include enough to field an Australia A side, may not be available due to the two weeks quarantine required.

It would be difficult for the Australia selectors to include Pucovski on the back of no cricket. He is also still recovering from the shoulder reconstruction he had earlier this year.

Pucovski made his debut against India at the SCG in January where he scored 62 in the first innings before injuring the shoulder diving in the field.

The news around Pucovski means that his Victoria team-mate Marcus Harris could be closer to retaining his place at the top of the order alongside David Warner having opened against India at the Gabba in Australia's last Test.

Harris made a century in the second innings at Drummoyne Oval to back up a successful spell with Leicestershire in county cricket.

Usman Khawaja has also made a strong case for recall with two centuries in the Sheffield Shield although he could also be considered for a middle-order slot.