Pucovski's decision courageous: Langer

Justin Langer has praised Will Pucovski for his courage in seeking help for mental health issues and says his time in the national squad will benefit him.

Will Pucovski

Will Pucovski was released from the Australian squad as he deals with mental health issues. (AAP)

Australia coach Justin Langer believes Will Pucovski will have benefited greatly from being in the national squad despite not making his Test debut.

The promising Victorian batsman was released from the squad on Friday night as he continues to deal with mental health issues.

The 20-year-old was called into the squad for Australia's series against Sri Lanka but wasn't selected for games in Brisbane and Canberra.

It came only three months after the exciting talent took a six-week break from the sport to deal with a mental health-related illness following a spectacular 243 in the Sheffield Shield against Western Australia.

Langer doesn't believe the hype of Pucovski being included in the squad and then not playing had anything to do with his decision to return to Victoria mid-Test.

"I think it would be great experience for him to have stepped into the jungle for a couple of weeks and see what it's like," the Australia coach told ABC radio.

"I'm sure in the future he's a good young player and he'll get another chance."

"In one way it's sad. In other ways it's great courage for a young man."

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts applauded Pucovski's decision and said he was handling the situation well.

"We've got a lot of support around him," Roberts told SEN radio.

"I hope you appreciate that I don't want to comment too much on Will specifically because that ironically wouldn't help his wellbeing."

Cricket Australia doctor Richard Saw said it was best for Pucovski's wellbeing that he return home to Melbourne.

"Will's decision to speak up and continue to ask for assistance in managing his ongoing mental health is extremely positive," Saw said.


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Published 2 February 2019 1:00pm
Updated 22 February 2022 5:24pm
Source: AAP


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