Ex-Test opener Will Pucovski medically retires from cricket

Former batting prodigy Will Pucovski has officially retired from cricket, admitting he is still suffering “scary” symptoms from repeated concussions.

The Victorian last played Sheffield Shield in March 2024, when he was hit on the helmet by a delivery from Tasmania speedster Riley Meredith.

It was the 13th known concussion of his sporting career.

Pucovski’s official announcement comes after a medical panel recommended he retire.

The 27-year-old said his life had changed and it hadn’t been easy.

“I’m not going to be playing cricket again,” Pucovski told SEN.

“It’s been a really difficult year, to put it as simply as possible.

“The simple message is, I won’t be playing at any level again.

“In the couple of months post that (last concussion) I struggled to get anything done, walking around the house was a struggle.

“My fiancee was annoyed because I didn’t contribute to chores. I was sleeping a lot.

“From there it’s been a tough year, a lot of the symptoms didn’t go away, which has led me to this decision.

“The first few months were horrendous, but things didn’t leave me.”

Pucovski played his only Test in January 2021 against India at the SCG, scoring 62 in the first innings.

He finishes with a first-class average of 45.19 that includes seven centuries and a highest score of 255 not out.