The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of former Victorian and Australian batter Will Pucovski as the Head Coach of its Premier Men’s program.
The 27 year-old was a member of the Club’s junior academy that now bears his name and he debuted in Melbourne’s 1st XI at the age of 16 before becoming a Premiership player in 2022/23.
That flag-winning team was coached by Ben Vague, who Pucovski succeeds. The senior coaching role is his first at this level.
Chair of MCC Cricket Andrew Kent said the appointment was an exciting one.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have Will at the helm as our senior Men’s coach,” he said.
'
“To have someone of his calibre – both as a cricketer and a person – taking the reins is really exciting and we know he’ll have an immediate impact on the players at all levels. He has long been recognised as a great leader and contributor to the club.
“Will’s journey with the MCC started as a talented 12 year-old in our junior program, rising through the grades and progressing through to first-class and ultimately, international level. He has a huge range of experiences to draw upon and is an astute student of the game. He understands what it takes to build successful teams.
'
“He’s a quality person and we’re thrilled to have him at the Club in this capacity.”
Pucovski said he was looking forward to the challenge.
“I feel very honored to be given the opportunity to coach the MCC Premier Men’s cricket program,” he said.
“It’s always been my cricketing home, I have always enjoyed playing for the Club and now to become coach, it means a lot to me.
“I’ve spent some time around the Club over the last few years and helped with some batting coaching when needed.
“I’m now really excited about taking on the role as senior coach.
“I am going to bring contemporary knowledge and insight to the Club which will complement the experienced coaching and leadership group already in place.”
The right-handed Pucovski made 62 in his maiden Test innings and played 36 first-class games, averaging 45.19 with seven centuries and a highest score of 255 not out. For the MCC he averaged 56 from 52 matches, with five tons.
Pucovski’s move into coaching follows another MCC identity, Australian Men’s coach Andrew McDonald, the man who handed Pucovski his Baggy Green on Test debut in 2021.
He became the MCC’s 41st Test cricketer and now has his sights on helping produce number 42.