Weatherald’s Quick Knock Ends Early Ahead of Ashes Showdown
In the final Sheffield Shield round before the highly anticipated Ashes series, all eyes were on Jake Weatherald — a potential Ashes debutant looking to cement his place in the Australian lineup. However, his outing for Tasmania against South Australia at Bellerive Oval didn’t quite go as planned. Weatherald made a brisk 23 off just 31 balls before a misjudged shot brought his innings to a premature end.
The conditions in Hobart were challenging, with a green pitch that offered plenty for the bowlers. Tasmania was sent in to bat, and Weatherald began cautiously, surviving a maiden over from fellow Test squad member Brendan Doggett. But once he found his rhythm, the left-hander looked intent on counterattacking. He edged one streaky boundary through the slips, then unfurled a classy cover drive off all-rounder Liam Scott to move confidently into the 20s. Just as he seemed ready to push on, disaster struck. The very next ball cramped him for room — shorter and tighter — and Weatherald dragged it back onto his stumps.
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Clearly frustrated, he turned on his heels and walked off briskly, knowing this was his final chance to impress selectors before the Ashes opener in Perth. Though the innings was short-lived, it showed glimpses of the aggressive intent that has made him a contender for the opening spot.
Meanwhile, in Sydney, another set of Ashes hopefuls were in action as New South Wales faced Victoria. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood — both seasoned members of the Test squad — shared the new ball. Starc wasted no time making an impact, trapping Harry Dixon lbw for 20 with a trademark swinging yorker that would have troubled any top-order batter. Sean Abbott, also part of the extended Ashes squad, came in as first change, keeping the pressure on the Victorian lineup.
There was even a touch of light-heartedness before play began. During the coin toss, NSW captain Steve Smith managed to drop the coin mid-flick, causing a brief moment of confusion and laughter. Despite the mishap, the toss stood, with Victorian skipper Will Sutherland calling correctly and choosing to bat first.
Nathan Lyon, the veteran spinner and another key figure in Australia’s Ashes plans, struck early in his very first over. He dismissed Marcus Harris for just five, thanks to a sharp catch at short leg by Sam Konstas. At that stage, Victoria found themselves struggling at 2 for 45 after 15 overs.
As the domestic round wrapped up, selectors will now turn their attention to the performances and form of these key players. For Weatherald, the 23-run cameo might not have been enough to seal his spot, but it was another reminder of how fine the margins can be when Ashes selection is on the line.
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