Pucovski had suffered a concussion in January and this was his first match back.
He came out to bat at no.3 spot and was facing just his second ball of the match. However, the bouncer by Riley Meredith pinged him hard on the helmet. This led to the 26-year-old, who has experienced several blows to the head previously, to retire hurt.
Pucovski was struck on the left side of his helmet after he turned his head to a rising delivery from Meredith. He was visibly shaken by the blow to the head and kneeled on the pitch. The medical staff rushed to the center. He eventually got up and slowly walked off the field, rubbing his eyes.
“Will is currently in the hands of our medical professionals. We’ll look to provide an update in due course,” a Cricket Victoria spokesperson said.
Pucovski was substituted by reserve batter Campbell Kellaway.
Pucovski had returned after the blow in January to score 131 in their Shield match against New South Wales at the SCG last month. He has also battled “mental health” issues in the past.
(PTI inputs)