Justin Langer admits Will Pucovski is in the discussion for Australia's Test series v Pakistan

Sport360 staff 15:18 24/10/2019
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  • Will Pucovski's list of admirers is growing.

    The clamour for handing young Will Pucovski his Australia Test debut keeps increasing with head coach Justin Langer becoming the latest to join the bandwagon.

    The 21-year-old batsman has long been earmarked for a bright Australia future with former skipper Ricky Ponting giving him his stamp of approval previously. The Victoria man was given a maiden Australia call up earlier this year in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, but failed to get a single appearance ultimately.

    Pucovski subsequently took a break from cricket in order to focus on his mental health, but the youngster has returned with a bang in this season’s ongoing Sheffield Shield.

    The right-hander registered a ton for Victoria in the opening round of the first-class competition and has averaged an excellent 63 with the bat after three innings. His overall first-class average after 27 innings is now just above 50 with the help of four tons and as many half-centuries.

    Shane Warne had recently urged Australia to blood in the youngster in the upcoming Test series against Pakistan and Pucovski has now found a new fan in Langer.

    “I watched him bat the other day, he’s got so much time. I really like the look of him,” the Australia head coach told radio station SEN.

    “There was this great story and this great narrative about Phil Hughes. I think there’s a similar one about Will Pucovski.

    “He’s young, he’s making lots of runs, he’s averaging 50 in domestic first-class cricket. He’s had his struggles and keeps coming up with a smile on his face.

    “If he keeps making runs and batting like he is, all the stories coming out of Australia A and more importantly Victoria, the people love how he goes about his business. So he’s certainly well and truly in the discussion.”

    With the support young Pucovski is generating in recent months, it is looking more than likely that he will be in the Australia squad when they take on Pakistan in the first Test at Brisbane, beginning on November 21.

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