Weatherald’s Fierce Start Puts Australia in Command at the Gabba
So, let me walk you through what’s unfolding right now in this second Ashes Test at the Gabba, because the story so far has been shaped heavily by one man: Jake Weatherald. His name has been bubbling around Australian cricket circles for years, but today he’s truly stamped his arrival on the Test stage with a rapid, confident half-century that has put England under real pressure.
By the time the interval arrived, Weatherald was sitting unbeaten on 59 from just 56 balls, having reached his maiden Test fifty in only 45 deliveries. It was an innings played with intent from the very first over, and you could feel the tone being set. Boundaries were flowing, the strike rate never dipped, and England’s bowlers simply weren’t allowed to settle. In fact, England’s only real positive during that opening session was Jofra Archer’s economy rate—everything else felt loose, inconsistent, and at times even flat.
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The partnership with Travis Head also gave Australia that early momentum. Head survived a dropped chance on just three—Jamie Smith couldn’t cling on behind the stumps—and it proved costly. Head went on to make 33 before finally holing out to Gus Atkinson off Brydon Carse, ending a 77-run opening stand. But by then, Weatherald was already in full flow, driving, pulling, and even lifting a bouncer for six as if he’d been playing Ashes cricket all his life.
Marnus Labuschagne has since joined him, adding a fluent 27 from 29 balls, and the pair have continued to keep England chasing shadows. By tea, Australia were cruising at 130 for 1 from just 21 overs, trailing by 204 but looking completely untroubled.
And remember, this all came after England were bowled out for 334 earlier in the day, with Joe Root carrying his bat for a magnificent unbeaten 138. His innings should have been the story of the morning, but Australia’s response has quickly flipped the script. Weatherald’s aggression, the speed of scoring, and the sheer ease with which Australia have handled the pink ball have turned the pressure straight back onto Ben Stokes’ side.
It’s been the kind of start Australia would have dreamed of, and Weatherald has been right at the centre of it. If this is how he begins his Test career, England might be dealing with him for a very long time.
For now, though, the message is simple: Australia have come out firing, and Weatherald has led the charge with a statement innings at the Gabba.
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