Australia opener Will Pucovski has suffered a concussion for the 11th time, sparking fears over his long-term health and future in the sport.
The 24-year-old was hit in the head during the warm-up by a volleyball and was substituted out of the game after briefly taking to the field on the final day.
Cricket Victoria's Chief Executive Nick Cummins revealed the injury occurred during a game of 'solleyball', a hybrid of soccer and volleyball that the team plays as part of their warm-up.
Marcus Harris, who opened with Pucovski in Victoria's first innings, said the injury was "pretty unlucky" as he "literally just kicked it up into his own head".
The match, a Sheffield Shield clash against South Australia, was Pucovski's first professional game in over a year.
His last appearance before then was his Test debut against India, where he scored an impressive half-century in the first innings.
Pucovski unfortunately dislocated his shoulder while fielding in that game and was forced to undergo surgery.
However, he is now facing another lengthy spell away from the game after suffering his latest concussion.
Pucovski has previously suffered concussions while playing Australian Rules Football as a teenager, diving to complete a run, getting hit in the field, banging his head on a door at home and getting struck by the short ball.
Given he has now had 11 concussions, Cricket Victoria's general manager of performance Shaun Graf has admitted there are serious long-term concerns about Pucovski's health and he may be forced to retire.
"Prior to this, he had discussions with the medical staff and they were starting to get worried, obviously with so many concussions even though they are minor now," Graf told SEN.
"He's realistic, he understands that this is bad and if it keeps going it can't be good for his health long-term. He does understand that. But being a young lad he still wants to play.
"It is so frustrating for him because of that fact that he knows where he could be if he was fit and able to get through multiple games.
"He's still very much in the corner that he wants to keep playing, and we'll support that. However, if the medical advice is contrary to that, we need to have a very hard discussion."
