Will Pucovski has been released from the Australian Test squad to allow him to best manage his mental wellbeing, marking the second such break for the young star.

Key points: Cricket Australia said the 20-year-old had "reported some challenges" in recent days

Cricket Australia said the 20-year-old had "reported some challenges" in recent days He took a break from cricket in October to focus on his mental health

He took a break from cricket in October to focus on his mental health Pucovski will "manage his wellbeing" to focus on a return to cricket

The Victorian, who turns 20 today, took a break from cricket in October for similar reasons.

That break came just after he scored a stunning 243 in the Sheffield Shield against Western Australia, making him one of only nine players to score a double ton in the Shield before turning 21.

That innings vaulted him into Test consideration, and he was called into the extended squad for the current series against Sri Lanka, but ultimately missed out on a spot in the final XI.

Pucovski spent long periods before the second Test doing laps of Manuka Oval with a Cricket Australia (CA) staff member while other members of the squad trained on the field and in the nets.

After play on day one in Canberra, CA doctor Richard Saw revealed Pucovski had "reported some challenges" in recent days and he had been released from the squad so he could "return home to Melbourne to continue managing his wellbeing".

Will Pucovski came into consideration for the Test team after scoring 243 in October. ( AAP: Richard Wainwright )

"Will has been proactive in this process and while he has made significant progress, he feels this is the best course of action to get ready to play cricket for Victoria," Dr Saw said.

"He worked closely with members of his family, Cricket Australia medical staff and Cricket Victoria to reach his decision.

"Will's decision to speak up and continue to ask for assistance in managing his ongoing mental health is extremely positive.

"Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria will continue to support Will, and we kindly ask that Will's privacy is respected so he can continue working towards a return to Premier Cricket and the next round of first-class cricket."

Langer denies Pucovski's selection handled poorly

Australia coach Justin Langer applauded Pucovski for being upfront about the difficulties he is facing, saying he showed "great courage".

"There's a lot of talk about mental health throughout our country now and he's been fantastic," Langer told ABC Grandstand.

"He's been with the group for the past couple of weeks, he's a sensational young bloke, I love watching him bat, he's a gun fielder, he works really hard but he's obviously wanting to get on top of it."

Justin Langer says he had "really good conversations" with Pucovski around his position in the squad. ( AAP: Dave Hunt )

Langer also rejected any suggestion Pucovski had been mismanaged at this early stage of his career.

In December, Pucovski came back after about two months out of the game and played against Western Australia in another Shield game, scoring 1 and 67.

A month later he was named in the Test squad and played in the tour match, only to be outshone by Kurtis Patterson during a day-night tour match.

Langer said he "had a lot of really good conversations" with Pucovski and was certain the issue of selection was not a contributing factor to his mental state.

"There's a lot of hype, but that's the Australian cricket team," Langer said.

"I've been fascinated by the scrutiny coming into the job. I've been in this business for 25 years and I'm feeling it, so I can only imagine how some of the young guys are feeling about all the scrutiny.

"I think it would have been great experience for him to have stepped into the jungle for a couple of weeks and see what it's like. I'm sure in the future … he'll get another chance.

The Shield season is currently on hold while the Big Bash League is played, with Victoria's next match coming against Queensland on February 23.

Pucovski is in the running for a spot in Australia's squad to travel to England for the Ashes in August, but as he has not played a Test for his country he is not eligible to play for a team in England's County Championship, so he will likely not see any first-class cricket after Victoria's Shield season ends.