Australia's Will Pucovski steps away from cricket following mental illness

According to local media, Pucovski has a history of concussion, including three last season

One of Australia’s budding talents has unfortunately stepped away from cricket for an indefinite period of time. Young batsman from Victoria, Will Pucovski was forced to leave playing cricket following mental health issues.

20-year-old Pucovski recently smashed a superb 243 for Victoria against Western Australia last week, putting him on the radar of Test selectors. But he was left out of their Sheffield Shield clash this week against New South Wales.

His team management released a statement in which it was said that Pucovski is currently receiving treatment for a mental health-related illness. Cricket Victoria general manager Shaun Graf said, “Will is a terrific young player and we need to do what's best for him at this time.”

“We'll continue to work with our medical staff to determine the best training and preparation plan to support Will at this time,” he added.

According to local media, Pucovski has a history of concussion, including three last season. The talented right-hander's double century made him only the ninth player in Sheffield Shield history to score 200 before his 21st birthday.

It put him in the distinguished company alongside the likes of Donald Bradman, Ricky Ponting, Doug Walters and Ian Chappell.