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Langer worried but upbeat about Pucovski

3 minute read

Australia coach Justin Langer says Will Pucovski can overcome his concussion woes and have a long and productive career, hopefully for the national side.

WILL PUCOVSKI
WILL PUCOVSKI Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Cricket Australia's concussion protocols will dictate whether Will Pucovski is in line for a potential Test debut in Melbourne but Justin Langer fully believes the Victorian can have a productive career.

Pucovski was ruled out of the day-night Test in Adelaide after suffering his ninth concussion, having copped a bouncer blow during a tour game in Sydney.

The scare has placed fresh doubt on the prospects of the gifted 22-year-old batsman, who has now been on the cusp of a baggy green during three consecutive home summers.

"We're obviously keeping a close eye on him. He's back home with his family at the moment," Australia coach Langer said, having suffered plenty of head knocks himself in a 105-Test career.

"I'm worried about Will because he got hit again the other day and he almost certainly would have played this first Test match, so I feel for him.

"He'll recover well then we just have to keep following the protocols.

"If they go through the stages and are fit for selection then we have a choice to select them or not ... if they don't, it's taken out of our hands."

Langer added concussions and head knocks were "part of the game".

"Unfortunately we get hit," the former opener said.

"I can only go from personal experience, what I've felt and also seen.

"If you can get through it then there's no reason why you can't have a long and very, very successful domestic and hopefully international career."

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