Australia To Make A Late Fitness Call On Will Pucovski's Shoulder

Young Australian opener Will Pucovski faces an anxious wait as far as his participation in the series decider at the Gabba is concerned after he suffered a ‘shoulder subluxation’ injury during his debut Test at the SCG.

Australia are willing to give the Victorian every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the all-important Test match in Brisbane. Pucovski, who impressed with a brilliant 62 on Test debut at the SCG, suffered a partial dislocation of his shoulder joint while diving on the field on the fifth day of the New Year Test in Sydney.

Pucovski looked in clear pain and discomfort and immediately left the field. He later went for scans where the injury was confirmed.

“He will continue rest and rehabilitation over the next two days before a decision is made on his fitness for the fourth Vodafone Test match,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Who will open for Australia if Will Pucovski is ruled out from the Brisbane Test?

If Will Pucovski is indeed deemed unfit for the Brisbane Test then it will lead to the home side facing a quandary as far as the opening spots are concerned.

Australia opened with Matthew Wade and Joe Burns in the opening two Tests. However, Burns was dropped after poor outings for the New Year Test in Sydney while Matthew Wade was shifted down the order to make way for David Warner and debutant Pucovski.

If Pucovski is declared unavailable for selection then the hosts can slot in Marcus Harris at the top of the order. Alternatively, they can also promote Matthew Wade and bring back Travis Head in the middle-order.

Meanwhile, David Warner has also admitted on Monday that he still felt nervous about his groin injury as he braces for back-to-back Tests following his return after a long layoff.