Sheffield Shield 2019/20 | Will Pucovski and Nic Maddinson named in Victoria squad following mental health break
The Sheffield Shield game between Victoria and New South Wales beginning November 29 will see the return of Will Pucovski and Nic Maddinson from their respective breaks due to mental health issues.
Glenn Maxwell, however, has not been named in Victoria's squad after announcing a break from the game due to mental health problems. Maxwell's latest involvement came in a grade match for Fitzroy Doncaster.
Cricket Victoria General Manager, Shaun Graf offered full support to both the returning players, saying:
"We are looking forward to having Nic and Will back playing for Victoria after receiving clearance from our medical staff... We'll continue to support all our players through their return to play."
Australia limited-overs captain Aaron Finch also expressed his support for Pucovski and Maddinson, as well as the other players dealing with mental health issues in cricket. Finch explained that since it's not a physical injury, no exact return date can be predicted. Speaking to the media in Melbourne, Finch said:
"I think everyone's learning about (mental health) and it's a case-by-case scenario."
"It's not a hamstring injury that you can treat the same way for everyone. It's a really valuable lesson - the timings of things change case by case. It's a chance to make sure everyone is treated in the right way in their best interests and they get the best help."
Pucovski, who was touted to receive the baggy green in the ongoing two-Test series against Pakistan, withdrew his name on the eve of the squad announcement for the first Test in Brisbane.
This was the second time Pucovski had taken a break from cricket to deal with mental health issues, having previously withdrawn from the Canberra Test against Sri Lanka earlier this year. Nic Maddinson had also removed his name from the 'A' side that was scheduled to play Pakistan in Perth.