Will Pucovski has marked his Sheffield Shield comeback with a seventh first-class century — and first in more than three years — after grinding to triple figures against NSW at the SCG.
The 26-year-old took a quick single to bring up the milestone off 258 deliveries on Sunday in a patient knock against a bowling attack featuring Test spinner Nathan Lyon.
Pucovski was eventually dismissed by Lyon for 131, before Victoria declared at 6-454 in its first innings.
It was his first Sheffield Shield century since November 2020.
Pucovski, who made his sole Test appearance for Australia in January 2021, was back in the Victoria XI after recovering from an 11th concussion late last month.
Following opener David Warner’s recent Test retirement, it was a timely reminder of Pucovski’s class and poise in just his 35th first-class match since debuting in 2017.
Pucovski took time away from the game in 2022 for mental health reasons. However, he has played five Sheffield Shield matches for second-placed Victoria this season.
He put on exactly 200 with Peter Handscomb (114), who was out chasing quick runs in the final over before lunch on day three.
Victoria was in a commanding position after Nic Maddinson’s blazing 108 on Saturday.
NSW, less than a point behind Western Australia in fourth place on the ladder, made 252 in its first innings.
The hosts were 3-40 in their second innings when rain ended play early on day three.
Sam Konstas, fresh from Australia’s victory in the men’s Under-19 World Cup final, was unbeaten on 24, with captain Moises Henriques not out on 9.
AAP