Pucovski, who had suffered 10 concussions before the latest episode, got injured before the final day's play of the Sheffield Shield match between his side, Victoria's XI, and South Australia in Adelaide. He reportedly showed concussion symptoms while fielding.

 

Pucovski took a knock on his head during warm-up in the morning on Saturday. He took the field for the match but was subbed after he showed signs of concussion, according to theage.com.au.

 

The latest incident will certainly delay his return to the national side in the short term, and could also threaten his long-term future in the game, according to the report.

 

Pucovski was handed his baggy green cap by the current Australian interim coach Andrew McDonald a year ago. He had returned to the crease with an eye on the month-long Pakistan series, scheduled in March-April this year.

 

"Victoria has activated the concussions substitute on Day 4 of its Marsh Sheffield Shield match against South Australia at Adelaide Oval," Cricket Victoria said in a statement.

 

"Will Pucovski will be replaced in the XI by Travis Dean. Pucovski reported concussion symptoms to medical staff while fielding in the first session of play this morning. He will continue to be monitored by Cricket Victoria medical staff, the statement added.

 

Pucovski missed the entire Ashes series, which Australia won 4-0 under new Test skipper Pat Cummins. He had also missed the first half of the domestic season due to lingering concussion symptoms from a knock he took during a training session in October last year. He also underwent a shoulder-reconstruction surgery last year.