Dean fifty buoys Victoria after Pucovski head injury

Victoria has progressed to a strong position against New South Wales at stumps on day two despite young batsman Will Pucovski being subbed out of the game after a sickening blow to the head.

Pucovski had to retire hurt after he was struck on the helmet attempting to duck a short ball from Blues quick bowler Sean Abbott in an incident that left players on both sides distressed.

After a short delay the game continued without incident and Pucovski was in good spirits post-play despite being replaced by Victoria's 12th man Dan Christian under Cricket Australia's concussion substitute rule.

Travis Dean played a steady hand on a day of uncertainty. He moved to 64 not out by stumps and guided the Bushrangers to a lead of 184 with five wickets in hand after Trent Copeland had taken four wickets to keep the Blues in the game.

Earlier, they had conceded a 28-run first innings lead after the Blues batsmen failed to capitalize on a number of starts against the Bushrangers well-balanced attack.