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Pucovski's shoulder scare sours fine debut

3 minute read

A shoulder injury to exciting young opener Will Pucovski is a concern for Australia heading into the series-deciding fourth Test starting in Brisbane on Friday.

WILL PUCOVSKI.
WILL PUCOVSKI. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Australia could have to roll out their third opening combination in three Tests against India after a shoulder injury soured Will Pucovski's promising debut.

Pucovski hurt his shoulder diving to field a ball at mid-wicket midway through the thrilling final day in Sydney, and did not return to the field.

He remained on the ground for around a minute as he clutched at his left shoulder, and was later seen with an ice pack on the joint.

Australia were on Monday night unclear of the extent of the damage, but the three-day turnaround is tight regardless.

Any injury would be tough to overcome for the opening batsman and missing out on Brisbane would be a cruel blow after enduring a two-year journey to make his Test debut.

Pucovski scored a stylish 62 in the first innings in Sydney, prompting former Test captain Ricky Ponting to declare the youngster a 10-year Test player.

Opening partner David Warner also admitted on Monday he still felt nervous about his groin injury, as his return from a lengthy layoff coincided with the back-to-back Tests.

If Pucovski wasn't deemed fit, Australia would again face a quandary with what to do at the top of the order.

After dropping Joe Burns from the squad, Marcus Harris remains in the extended group and could be an option to be recalled.

The other option would likely be returning Matthew Wade to the top, allowing Travis Head to make a comeback in Brisbane after being axed for Sydney.

Australia's injury concerns do however pale in comparison to India's.

Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Virahi all battled through the draw in Sydney.

They previously lost Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and KL Rahul to injury during the tour with superstar batsman Virat Kohli having also returned home.

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