India vs Australia: “He’s got as good a bouncer as any I’ve seen” – Sunil Gavaskar warns concussion victim Will Pucovski ahead of Test series

India vs Australia: “He’s got as good a bouncer as any I’ve seen” – Sunil Gavaskar warns concussion victim Will Pucovski ahead of Test series

Sunil Gavaskar and Will Pucovski

Sunil Gavaskar and Will Pucovski
Sunil Gavaskar and Will Pucovski

While India captain Virat Kohli‘s absence from the last three Tests has been the talk of the town in the build-up to the Border Gavaskar series. It was young Will Pucovski who found himself in the spotlight from the Australia camp. The youngster stormed into the Test side with two consecutive double tons in the Sheffield Shield. And David Warner‘s unfortunate injury paved way for his Test debut. But it seems like he has to wait longer before donning the baggy green.

During the first warm-up match against India A, Pucovski was struck on the helmet and was taken off the field. Batting on 23, the 22-year-old was struck on the helmet off the delivery of Kartik Tyagi. Cricket Australia had informed that he was able to walk after being attended by the team doctor. Pucovski fell to his knees and stayed on the floor for some minutes after the incident. While it is still not decided if he will feature in the series opener, he travelled with the squad to Adelaide.

You’re going to get a lot of it

Will Pucovski
Will Pucovski

Former India opener Sunil Gavaskar feels that a batsman like Pucovski, who has a history of concussion, should be prepared to face some steep bouncers. Gavaskar opines that in modern cricket, the weaknesses of the opposition are well known. And hence teams readily pounce on them. If the youngster bags his maiden baggy green cap this series, the Indian pacers wouldn’t shy away from having a go at him.

“Definitely. I think you would expect that to happen,” Gavaskar told the Sydney Daily Telegraph. “Once you enter the ground whether it’s playing for your country, or even playing for your state or club, you’re going to cop it.”

“If the word is that you’re not really comfortable against a particular delivery, you’re going to get a lot of it,” he added. “I don’t see India easing up because he’s had a history of concussion.”

The World Cup winner went on to warn Pucovski of Mohammed Shami‘s lethal bouncers. Gavaskar has long been an admirer of Shami’s bouncers. And had expressed strong belief in the veteran speedster’s skills coming into the tour. Yet Shami’s lethal bouncers were nowhere to be seen in the white ball series.

“He’s got as good a bouncer as any I’ve seen,” said Gavaskar.

The Test series, which will feature four games, kicks off with a pink ball Test in Adelaide from December 17.

Also read : ‘Virat Kohli will continue playing as long as he is sucking air into his lungs,’ says Matthew Hayden