Will Pucovski withdraws from Test contention on mental health grounds

The 21-year-old batsman had been in contention for an international debut against Pakistan, having represented Australia A in a warm-up match against the tourists

Will Pucovski asked Cricket Australia not to consider him for selection for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan for mental health reasons.

The 21-year-old batsman had been in contention for an international debut against Misbah-ul-Haq’s tourists, having represented Australia A in a warm-up match.

However, he has made the decision to withdraw his name from selection, the national governing body confirmed on November 14.

Ben Oliver, Cricket Australia’s executive general manager of national teams, praised Pucovski’s bravery in speaking out. He is the third Australian player in recent days to have done so, following Glenn Maxwell and Nic Maddinson.

Maxwell announced he was to take a break from the sport, while Maddinson pulled out of the Australia A fixture against Pakistan.

“We applaud Will for having the courage to discuss his situation with team management in Perth,” Oliver said. “Will’s decision not to nominate for Test selection was the right one in the circumstances and one that everyone in the Australian cricket family supports.

“Mental health is a complex issue that unfortunately impacts many young men and women in our society. By Will bravely taking this position, he will undoubtedly inspire others facing similar challenges to speak up and take positive steps towards improving their mental well-being.

“The most important thing now is for Will to be given the time, space and expert support that he needs to return to full health as soon as possible. I speak on behalf of everyone in Australian cricket when I say we wish Will the very best in his recovery.”

The batsman, who has made four first-class centuries in just 18 matches, previously took time away from the game due to mental health issues earlier this year.

^{Shane Watson was appointed president of the Australian Cricketers' Association recently}

Cricket Australia’s sports science and sports medicine manager Alex Kountouris added that the board would provide unconditional support to the youngster.

“There is much society still needs to learn in relation to mental health, but we know enough to say with great certainty that silence is not the answer,” Kountouris said.

“Cricket Australia has committed to being open about the challenges faced in managing mental health. We are putting player well-being first and supporting them unconditionally. That’s something we’re proud of.

“Will has demonstrated great strength in being open about his situation. While no one wants to see a fine young man like Will confronting mental well-being issues, we are heartened by the fact he is surrounded by excellent people who will support him. We are all right behind him.”

Former Australia allrounder Shane Watson was recently announced as president of the Australian Cricketers’ Association. He stated that the mental health of members would be a top priority of his.

“There’s no question, this is a huge thing for me and something that the ACA and Cricket Australia need to work together to be able to support the players, as much as we have to, and try and limit the burden,” the 38-year-old said.

“It’s not just in cricket … it’s wider society: mental health is coming to the fore, as it should.

“Beforehand it was just shut behind closed doors, whereas now people are actually talking about it which is a great thing and it needs to happen.

“But the support needs to be there, to be able to limit the chances of one of our best players needing to have time away to be able to get back to where he or she needs to from a mental health point of view.

"When you’re playing non-stop and you don’t have breaks, and especially when you get to a certain age as well and you start thinking about what life is potentially going to look like when you finish playing, those are the times when the support needs to be there, even more so.”

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