MITCHELL JOHNSON: Will Pucovski had no choice but to call it quits after concussion ruined is cricket career

Stories of athletes being forced to retire prematurely due to injury are always hard to digest.

Professional sport is cutthroat, and the sacrifices required early in your career to chase success are immense. You face the dilemma of fully committing to your dream or stepping into the workforce and leaving it behind.

In Will Pucovski’s case, the regret of a Test career that could have been is compounded by ongoing health worries and the unknown of what his serious concussion-related symptoms will mean for the rest of his life.

The hype surrounding Pucovski, 27, and his batting talent was undeniable. He was regarded as the nation’s best emerging batting talent and played one Test match.

He was the next big thing and often looked promising, but unfortunately, he had issues with the short ball. A history of concussion from outside cricket probably didn’t help.

While making his retirement from all cricket official this week was no doubt difficult, if you consider the number of concussions he’s had it’s quite alarming and a scary thought.

I’m sure he made this choice based on medical advice and discussions with family but still to give up on your dream is devastating. Hopefully his decision to retire will help mitigate future issues.

When I was 18 I made the decision to pursue my dream in cricket, just like many others who aspired to reach the top. After suffering four stress fractures in my back early on, I almost faced the end of my career before it truly began.

While it’s not the same as concussion, I remember being 23 or 24 and questioning if my back would hold up and worrying about the future after losing my Queensland contract.

I often thought about the possibility of ending up in pain in life after cricket, and that’s still a possibility. But I made that choice and have accepted that decision, while attempting to stack the odds in my favour by getting strong and trying to look after my body the best I could.

Although at a later stage of his career, my great mate Ryan Harris had to make the painful decision to retire because his body was breaking down. I know he wanted to play more for his country and felt he wasn’t quite finished, but ultimately, he had to stop playing the game he loved alongside his mates when he felt he had more to give. And considering Harris endured agony every time he bowled, it is another reminder of life after sport.

Surrounding yourself with a strong support system can make a significant difference in handling such difficult decisions. It’s encouraging to know that Pucovski has had family and friends by his side throughout his journey.

The emotional and mental toll of retirement, especially under these circumstances, can be really challenging. It’s important for him to have those he trusts to lean on during this transition, and seeking professional help can provide the tools needed to navigate the road ahead.

Retirement from sport isn’t just about stepping away from the game; it’s also about adapting to a new way of life and finding new passions. Will’s choice, while painful, opens the door to new opportunities and a chance to focus on his wellbeing.

This situation highlights the importance of prioritising health over career aspirations. I hope he finds peace in his decision and can pursue other interests that bring him fulfillment and joy.

And it doesn’t mean a life away from cricket altogether. He has decided to stay involved with the game by doing some coaching for his local Melbourne club. Keeping his mind busy and staying connected to the game he loves is the next best thing to being a player.

Coaching will allow him to remain within the community that has been such a significant part of his life, and it can be incredibly rewarding to pass on knowledge and experiences to the next generation of players.