Australia's Pucovski leaves Test squad due to mental health issues
Australian cricketer Will Pucovski has left the Test squad to return home to focus on mental health. The Victoria cricketer, who had smashed 243 against Western Australia this season, was called up to the Aussie set-up for the Test series against Sri Lanka. He is suffering from mental health issues and hence was allowed to return to Melbourne to deal with the same.
'He reported some challenges over the past few days'
Will was overlooked for the first Test in Brisbane and also couldn't seal a spot in playing XI of the second Test, although he did travel to Canberra. "He reported some challenges over the past few days, and the decision has been made that the best thing for Will's welfare is for him to return home to Melbourne," said Cricket Australia doctor, Richard Saw.
'Will's decision to speak up is extremely positive'
Saw said the decision was taken after thorough consultation with his family, Cricket Australia's medical staff and Cricket Victoria. He added, "Will's decision to speak up and continue to ask for assistance in managing his ongoing mental health is extremely positive."
Selectors called up Kurtis Patterson at the last moment
Pucovski was tipped to start in Brisbane, but the selectors opted to call up Kurtis Patterson at the last minute, who had struck twin centuries in the warm-up matches. Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts denied that this decision led to any issue. Notably, Patterson went on to slam a century in the first innings of the ongoing second Test.
Past incidents where players left squad due to mental health
Earlier, former England cricketer Jonathan Trott's battle against mental illness had surfaced when he pulled out of the 2013-14 edition of the Ashes. After the first Test in Brisbane, Trott cited stress-related illness and left the squad. Another England cricketer Marcus Trescothick suffered anxiety attacks and pulled out of the tour of India early in 2006.
