Will Pucovski is unable to boost his case for a Test call-up this week, with the sick young gun to miss Victoria's Sheffield Shield match against NSW.
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Pucovski last week became the ninth player in Shield history to celebrate a double-century before a 21st birthday by scoring 243 in Victoria's season-opening win over Western Australia, at the WACA.
That knock was enough for some to suggest he'll be in the selection debate for Australia's first Test against India, which starts at Adelaide Oval on December 6.
But Pucovski, who has a history of concussions throughout his fledgling career, won't be taking the field at the MCG on Thursday.
"After last week he's gone down with a little bit of exhaustion," Bushrangers captain Peter Handscomb said.
"The doctors and medical staff have ruled him out for this game and then we're hoping he's right for the next."
Handscomb, who isn't without his own Test claims, said he'd back the youngster to succeed at international level.
"In terms of stats and what he's putting forward, he's right up there with the best (young batsmen in Australia)," he said.
"I'm still getting over his knock last week. I got to watch a lot of it from the sidelines and it was just great.
"Even when he was on 180, 220, he was still just playing proper shots and leaving the ball.
"His mentality was great and he controlled the innings beautifully."
The 20-year-old has been replaced in Victoria's side by Eamonn Vines, who made his first-class debut last season.
The Blues have also been forced to make some late changes to their original squad, with Sean Abbott (personal reasons) and Steve O'Keefe (calf strain) both enforced omissions.
Legspinner Daniel Fallins was named in an extended squad and should take O'Keefe's place in NSW's XI, while Harry Conway was added to the travelling party after Abbott's withdrawal.
Handscomb said he expected the MCG wicket to show more variance this season after the Boxing Day Test and all four Shield matches there ended in draws last summer.
"Definitely it looks like its got a bit more grass on it this year," he said.
Australian Associated Press
