Aussie cricket in shock as terrible incident could spell the end of star’s career – and he’s only 26

Will Pucovski’s future is once again up in the air after the star batsman suffered another blow to the head while batting during Victoria’s Sheffield Shield match with Tasmania in Hobart.

Pucovski, who was just eyeing his second pitch, was hit on the side of the helmet after diving into a rising Riley Meredith pitch on Sunday.

The 26-year-old immediately took to the pitch as players rushed in to check on his welfare.

Pucovski spent the next few minutes on his hands and knees as medical staff attended to him, with the star batter coughing violently at times.

Finally he got back to his feet and slowly staggered off the ground before retreating wounded.

The latest blow raises new doubts not only about his cricketing career, but also about his short- and long-term health.

Pucovski has suffered at least eleven concussions in his career, and this latest blow seems almost certain to be diagnosed as a concussion as well.

The right-hander played his only Test in 2021 but took time off from the game in 2022 due to mental health reasons.

Just last month, Pucovski posted his first Shield century in more than three years to raise hopes he could get his career back on track.

Last month, Pucovski announced his engagement to girlfriend Emma Stonier, despite his future father-in-law jokingly refusing his request.

He popped the question on New Year’s Eve, but has since revealed the process didn’t go as smoothly as he wanted.

Speaking on Channel 7, the Victorian talked about the good news and how it came about.

“It’s been an exciting week,” he told 7Cricket’s The Spin.

Pucovski was hit on the side of the helmet after diving into a rising ball from Riley Meredith

The talented cricketer has suffered at least eleven concussions in his career

“I didn’t do that (get down on one knee), it was more of a lunge. I’m not the most flexible, so it was hard to get all the way down. And it was on gravel, so I didn’t want a cut on my knee or anything like that. I kept it pretty simple.”

When asked if he had the approval of Stonier’s father, Pucovski revealed that it was not plain sailing.

“I got the old man’s approval (of the partner) – he’s a bit annoying,” Pucovski laughed.

‘I asked him on Christmas Eve, and on Christmas Day he comes to me and says, “I’ve thought about it and no, she can’t, she’s way too good for you.”

‘And I said, “I agree, but I’ll do it anyway. You said yes yesterday, that’s good enough for me!”

“But yeah, it was good to get it done. (We continued) a 45 minute walk to this spot that I had chosen and I was excited for the first 44 minutes, and then in the last minute I just absolutely lost it.

“I had a big speech planned and it all went out the window, and I thought, ‘Just get this over with and get it through.’