Handscomb backs Pucovski for Test debut

"Don't read the media, as simple as that," the Victorian captain said.

"You're going to get frustrated.

"Don't read it and back your game, are probably the two things I'd say."

Pucovski is a strong chance to be named for his Test debut when the squad to play Pakistan is announced on Thursday.

The most recent of Handscomb's 16 Tests was in January against India at the MCG.

"He's awesome, he's going to be amazing, he's going to be the future," Handsomb said of his young Victorian teammate.

"So if he does get his chance, I'm sure he will grab it with both hands."

Handscomb also backed Victorian opener Marcus Harris to retain his Test berth and for paceman James Pattinson to earn a recall.

Fellow opening bowler Peter Siddle is the other potential Victorian selection, while Handscomb reminded selectors of his credentials with a top score of 92 on day two of the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the MCG.

"Harry has been looking really good for us, for a number of years," Handscomb said of Harris.

"He's the incumbent Test opener, I hope he gets his go, especially on home soil."

Handscomb said Pattinson's worth could not be measured just in how many wickets he takes.

"I hate facing him in the nets and in the games, he's going beautifully," Handscomb said.

"Whether he's taking wickets or not, his bowling is creating wickets up the other end as well."

As for himself, Handscomb now has made successive Shield half centuries.

"Hopefully I can continue to score a few runs," he said.

Handscomb should have made a century on Wednesday, but Mark Steketee took the new ball and trapped him lbw with the first delivery after tea.

"You always want to make hundreds, and big hundreds at that, so it was a bit frustrating to go out, especially the first ball with the new ball," he said.

"It could have been a really difficult time for the guys coming in - luckily for the team, they batted really well."

Australian Associated Press