3 minute read

Will Pucovski said he wasn't fazed by a promotion up Victoria's batting order - a change that has produced a staggering 457 runs from two knocks.

Potential Test debutant Will Pucovski never coveted a spot at the top of Victoria's batting order, suggesting team balance was the catalyst for his recent promotion.

Pucovski has scored 255 not out and 202 in an eye-catching start to the Sheffield Shield season, which has prompted former Australia captains Michael Clarke and Ian Chappell to call for him to debut in the first Test against India.

The 22-year-old Pucovski opened the batting in both marathon knocks, whereas his first-class career has largely been spent at No.3.

Victoria coach Chris Rogers, who opened alongside David Warner for the vast majority of his own 25-Test career, suggested the change.

"I wouldn't say it (opening) is something I've actively wanted to do but I was happy to do it when the idea was posed to me," Pucovski said.

"I think it was more team balance going in the first game.

"Batting at No.3, I don't really see much of a difference with opening.

"Because half the time you're in there early anyway.

"So I wasn't that fazed. It's probably a good thing.

"You get out there straight away, you're straight into the contest.

"There's not much time to sit there and watch."

Pucovski said he would happily return to batting at No.3 "if that was the best thing for the team".

The young gun's prolific start to his new role is untimely for incumbent Test opener Joe Burns, who has scored 46 runs from four Shield knocks this season.

Pucovski deleted "basically every cricket app and most social media things" off his phone amid widespread praise for his performances and calls for him to be handed a baggy green at Adelaide Oval.

The right-hander's celebration of Monday's milestone was decidedly low key but that had more to do with a text message from Cameron White than anything else.

"I was trying to keep them (emotions) in check because I had a horrendous photo for my hundred," Pucovski said.

"Cameron White sent me the photo ... he made sure I saw that from every angle. A few of my mates got stuck into me as well.

"So I needed to make sure I wasn't going too nuts, to make sure the double-hundred photo was better."