The highly rated Victorian youngster Will Pucovski is to take an indefinite break from cricket so he can undergo treatment for a mental health-related illness.

Pucovski, who is only 20, made headlines earlier this month when he made a sensational 243 off 311 balls in the first round of the Sheffield Shield against Western Australia. He has long been earmarked for the top, having broken the run-scoring record in the Australian Under 19 National Championships in 2016.

He was withdrawn from Victoria’s following match against New South Wales and it has now been confirmed that he will be taking an extended break from the game.

“Will’s health remains our highest priority and Cricket Victoria’s medical staff will continue to provide support to Will during this time,” Cricket Victoria’s doctor Trefor James said.

Given Australia’s middle-order struggles in their recent series against Pakistan and the prodigious start he had made in his first-class career – he has two scores of over 180 in his first seven first-class games – it wasn’t inconceivable that he would be fast-tracked into the Australian Test team for their upcoming series against India.

Victoria were clear that they did not want to rush Pucovski back into the team too quickly and that the player’s health was their sole concern.  “Will is a terrific young player and we need to do what’s best for him at this time,” said Cricket Victoria general manager Shaun Graf. “We’ll continue to work with our medical staff to determine the best training and preparation plan to support Will at this time.”