Will Pucovski’s sparkling Test debut against India has been soured after the opener injured his shoulder in the field for Australia.
Pucovski was hurt after diving for a ball at mid-wicket during the second session of the final day at the SCG.
He stayed down for about a minute as teammates came to his aid and he clutched at his left shoulder, before leaving the field at the end of the over.
Australia have just three days between the end of the SCG Test and the start of the series finale in Brisbane.
Pucovski scored a stylish 62 in the first innings in Sydney, as the likes of Ricky Ponting claiming he could be a 10-year player at the top of the order for Australia.
Opening partner David Warner 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.
Australia’s injury concerns pale in comparison to India’s, with Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Virahi all hurt in Sydney.
Paul
Roar Guru
Agarwal & Shaw could open, then Pujara, Rohit, Gill, Rahane, Pant/Saha, Ashwin then the quicks. Looks a pretty good lineup on paper to me.
Brian
Guest
Harris and Wade would open with Head at No 5. India on the other hand are down to every avalable fit batsman. I think Pujara and Rahane are the only remaining middle order batsman if Vihari out
Dravida Nadu
Roar Rookie
phir bhi tera mota pant ka baap hai
Paul
Roar Guru
You may well be right if Warner & Puckovski are both out. The only choices left are Head, Harris and Henriques in the Test squad.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Plus, injury side lining any of our attack would leave a massive hole.
U
Roar Rookie
I haven’t changed my opinion. The Aussies have to look at stopgap top order players for the time being
Paul
Roar Guru
"Australia’s injury concerns pale in comparison to India’s, with Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Virahi all hurt in Sydney." So both openers for Australia have to be doubtful for Brisbane, but that "pales in comparison with the Indian injuries? Not real sure how that works.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
What exactly do you mean?
Tony
Roar Guru
Great comment dopey. Could you just take us through your achievements, sporting or otherwise, while you're here?
Nimitz
Roar Rookie
Good for Nothing ,kid.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Now here is a young lad who has literally been educated at the school of hard knocks.
JohnB
Roar Rookie
His throws from the outfield suggest he had a problem with the right shoulder also going into the game - pretty slow about the field too. As long as he makes runs all ok though!