Weatherald's Aggressive 94 Keeps Ashes Hopes Alive

Jake Weatherald continued his push for an Ashes Test debut, producing a fluent and aggressive 94 off 99 balls in challenging conditions during Tasmania's Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia at Bellerive Oval in Hobart.

On a pitch where runs have been hard to come by, Weatherald’s brisk innings stood out. He helped Tasmania to 244 for 5 in their second innings at stumps on day two, giving them a lead of 243 runs after bowling out WA for 172 earlier in the day. Rain brought play to a halt shortly before the scheduled close, with Jordan Silk unbeaten on 51.

Weatherald’s counterattacking knock included 13 fours and one six, before he was dismissed attempting a hook shot and caught in the deep, just six runs short of a deserved century.

Making a Strong Case

The 30-year-old left-hander, who topped the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield run-scoring chart with 906 runs at 50.33, remains firmly in the mix for a spot in Australia’s top order for the first Ashes Test against England in Perth on November 21.

With uncertainty around the second opener’s slot alongside Usman Khawaja, Weatherald's form and fearless approach could make him a strong candidate. His aggressive style, particularly square of the wicket, could complement Khawaja’s more measured batting at the top.

Once regarded as a rising star for South Australia, Weatherald has rejuvenated his career following a move to Tasmania and now appears closer than ever to wearing the Baggy Green.

Bowlers Dominate Early

Earlier in the day, Tasmania held a narrow lead of just one run after dismissing Western Australia for 172. The visitors had resumed on 107 for 4 but collapsed to lose 6 for 65, including 3 for 3 in a late-order slump.

Brad Hope led the way with the ball, finishing with 4 for 51, while Riley Meredith and Jackson Bird took three wickets apiece to restrict WA’s progress.

In Tasmania’s second innings, Matthew Kelly was the most effective of WA's bowlers, taking 3 for 47, but the day belonged to Weatherald, whose powerful strokeplay and confident tempo stood out on a difficult batting surface.

With Australia’s top-order options still unsettled, Weatherald’s timely form surge could provide selectors with a tempting option ahead of the Ashes.