3 minute read
Victoria resume their Sheffield Shield season this week, but Sam Harper and Will Pucovski might not be given the green light to play after recent concussions.
Sam Harper has started a modified training program as he recovers from the concussion suffered during a freak BBL incident, but the keeper remains in doubt for this week's Sheffield Shield resumption.
Victoria's Shield clash with table-topping NSW starts on Friday at the SCG, when Peter Handscomb will return to the venue just six days after contesting the BBL final.
Medicos will have a better idea of the availability of Harper and Will Pucovski, also on the mend after knocking his head in unusual fashion while recently captaining a Cricket Australia XI, when Victoria's squad train on Tuesday.
Jake Fraser-McGurk, recently sent home from the under-19 World Cup after being scratched by a monkey, will be available for the Vics.
Harper, who vaulted over Hobart bowler Nathan Ellis while completing a run then hit the back of his head on the pitch, was sent to hospital after being knocked out on January 21 in a BBL match.
The Melbourne Renegades' gloveman was released the following morning but played no further part in the BBL season.
The 23-year-old, free of symptoms last week, is yet to start full training and Cricket Australia's polices dictate a gradual return to play, suggesting Seb Gotch might take the gloves in the four-day Shield clash.
Harper suffered a far more debilitating concussion in February 2017, when he was hit on the helmet by a bat while keeping, but returned the following season.
Pucovski failed a concussion test after a mishap on February 2, when he jarred his bat while running between the wickets and tumbled over.
It was the eighth concussion of Pucovski's luckless career, although the 22-year-old was notably in good spirits after play.
"I remember what happened," the talented batsman said at the time.
"I'm a bit on-off. I feel alright for 15 minutes and then feel a bit average for another 15. I should hopefully be back in action pretty quickly though.
"I'll just keep in touch with the doctors and, hopefully, start to reduce a few symptoms, then get back into it."
Last week, Pucovski was selected in an Australia A squad for a four-day match against the touring England Lions from February 22 at the MCG.
Pucovski had been twice on the cusp of Test selection in 2019, while he has taken three breaks from cricket to focus on his mental health.
