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Harris replaces luckless Pucovski in CA XI

3 minute read

Opener Marcus Harris will replace Will Pucovski in the Cricket Australia XI squad to face England Lions after his Victoria teammate's latest concussion.

MARCUS HARRIS.
MARCUS HARRIS. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Former Test opener Marcus Harris will replace Victoria teammate Will Pucovski in the Cricket Australia XI squad for the remaining two one-day matches against England Lions on the Gold Coast.

Pucovski suffered a concussion in a freak accident while captaining the team on his 22nd birthday in Sunday's first match against the Lions at Metricon Stadium.

In attempting to complete a run, Pucovski's bat stuck in the turf resulting in him falling forward and striking his head on the ground.

He failed a concussion test and was ruled out for the rest of the match.

Under concussion protocols Pucovski was already unavailable for Tuesday's second game but officials have decided it was in his best interests to just rest him completely.

Harris will join the squad for the remaining matches with Jake Lehmann to take over the captaincy.

The concussion is the latest setback for one of Australian cricket's brightest prospects.

Pucovski has a history of concussions which have hindered his career as well as a battle with mental health issues.

He was on the cusp of making his Test debut early in the summer before withdrawing from a CA XI match against Pakistan due to mental health concerns.

It was one of three mental-health breaks the youngster has taken since the start of 2018-19.

As well as the one-day matches on the Gold Coast, the tourists will play three four-day matches, including an MCG clash with Australia A that starts on February 22.

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