Sports Desk:

Australian batter Will Pucovski has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at only 27, citing ongoing symptoms from repeated concussions.

The former Test opener, who played just one match for Australia in 2021, confirmed the decision on Tuesday, saying a medical panel strongly advised him to stop playing following a series of head injuries.

Pucovski last played in March 2024, when he was struck on the helmet by a bouncer in a Sheffield Shield match and subsequently retired hurt. In the months that followed, he struggled with debilitating side effects, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and motion sickness.

“In the couple of months post that, I struggled to get anything done,” Pucovski said in a radio interview. “Things didn’t get better, and it became clear I couldn’t go on.”

Cricket Victoria acknowledged his retirement and said it had been in regular contact with the player and his management team.

Despite his early exit, Pucovski leaves behind a remarkable domestic record, scoring 2,350 runs in 36 first-class matches at an average of 51.40. His elegant 62 -run Test debut against India in 2021 had promised a bright future.

His final century came against a strong New South Wales attack in February 2024, reinforcing his potential just months before injury forced him to stop.

“It’s been hard to let go,” he said. “I wanted to play 100 Tests, but one is where it ends. My focus now is living a healthy life and staying connected to the game in other ways.”