Australia opener Will Pucovski suffers 10th concussion and is Ashes doubt

Australia opener Will Pucovski could miss the first Ashes test against England in December after suffering a concussion for the 10th time in his fledgling cricket career.

The Aussies have big hopes for the young batter who has a strong record in first class cricket.

But the 23-year-old has proven to be more susceptible to brain injuries than others, which have prevented him from being a regular partner to the veteran David Warner at the top of the Australian batting order.

Pucovski's latest concussion came as a result of being hit on the helmet by a ball in a nets session for Victoria earlier this week.

"Will is currently managing his recovery in consultation with Cricket Victoria’s medical staff. We look forward to having him back at training as soon as he’s recovered," the team posted on social media.

His history with concussion injuries means it is likely extra care will be taken around his recovery, and has left his place in the Australia team for the first Ashes test this winter in doubt.

Captain Tim Paine has nominated Marcus Harris to play if Pucovski can't, and said on live radio he was "devastated" to hear that the youngster had suffered yet another injury.

"I've spoken to him a bit the last few days. He is improving slowly," he told SEN Hobart.

"I don't think it's as bad as some of the others he's had before but with his history we have to be very careful with anything around the brain.

"I was devastated to hear it's happened again."

The skipper was quick to dismiss any suggestion that the reason for Pucovski's susceptibility to concussions has anything to do with his technique or ability at the crease.

"He's a good player of the short ball, you don't average 54 or so in first-class cricket if you can't play the short ball," he continued.

"I think he's now more susceptible (to concussion) than other people. He doesn't need to be hit as hard on his head."

Paine talked up Harris as the 23-year-old's replacement if needed, citing a strong six months in England playing for Leicestershire.

"And we know his first class record for Victoria has been excellent for some time now, so he's probably the frontrunner," he added.

Meanwhile, Victoria's general manager of cricket Shaun Graf offered a more hopeful timeframe for Pucovski's return to action when he appeared on radio on Thursday.

"It's definitely not a major setback. We're very hopeful that he'll be available for Victoria's first game which could be at the end of the month," he told SEN.

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