CHENNAI: Australia’s
Will Pucovski may not be a name most Indian fans are aware of at the moment, but that may change by the time the first India-Australia Test in Adelaide concludes.
With
David Warner looking doubtful for that game as he recovers from a groin injury, Pucovski could open for Australia along with
Joe Burns. Despite being hyped as the next big thing in Australian cricket and in line for an international debut, the 22-year-old puts things in perspective.
“It’s still just another ball coming down at you. I am probably as mentally prepared as I can be. If I do get the opportunity, it will be to just go out there and apply my processes, and the rest will take care of itself,” Pucovski said during a virtual press conference facilitated by Sony Network, the ongoing series’ official broadcaster.
Pucovski made the 17-man Test squad thanks to his back-to-back double hundreds for Victoria in the
Sheffield Shield
games. But Pucovski concedes that he will have to raise his game to match the top-notch Indian bowling attack. Pucovski will get first-hand experience of where he stands when he opens for Australia ‘A’ in a practice game against India at the Drummoyne Oval, Sydney from Sunday.
“Just challenging yourself at the next level is pretty exciting in itself. You watch these boys on television dominating around the world and sort of never think that it could be me facing them one day. But it could potentially become a reality,” said Pucovski, who has 1720 runs from 22 first-class games.
Not only has Pucovski shown the temperament to bat for long periods on the field, he has also been mature enough to tackle his inner demons off it. The right-hander has taken time out to address mental health issues on a couple of occasions in the last two years --- a move he doesn’t regret at all.
“It is probably different to a lot of young athletes but I haven’t really regretted a second of it to be honest. My friends and family have supported me immensely,” he said.
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