Weatherald’s 95 Not Enough as Tasmania Fight to Survive NSW Onslaught
Tasmania are clinging to hope in Hobart and despite a brave 95 from Jake Weatherald, they remain in serious trouble against New South Wales in this Sheffield Shield battle.
At Ninja Stadium, this contest has swung back and forth, but as we head into the final stages, it’s NSW who hold the edge. Tasmania began their second innings staring at a 220-run deficit after New South Wales piled up 356. That’s a mountain in red-ball cricket and the pressure was immediate.
Weatherald, the aggressive left-hander who has been fighting questions about his recent form, stepped up when his side needed him most. He had gone ten innings without a half-century and for a player with Test ambitions, that drought was becoming uncomfortable. Today, he looked composed, fluent and confident. Drives through the off side, crisp boundaries and positive intent. He reached 95 and for a moment, it felt like a statement knock was coming.
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But cricket can be cruel. Trapped lbw by spinner Joel Davis, five runs short of a century, Weatherald walked off knowing he had revived his form but not yet secured his future. For Tasmania, that dismissal was a turning point. At one stage they were within touching distance of wiping out the deficit. Then came a collapse, three wickets for just 19 runs and the momentum shifted again.
Charlie Wakim added a solid 57, Caleb Jewell made 34, but once Weatherald fell, the middle order wobbled. Tasmania closed day three at 5 for 258, leading by just 38 runs. That is not a cushion. That is a thin line between survival and defeat.
Earlier, NSW had their own setback. Jack Edwards retired hurt with a hamstring injury, prompting the use of the Sheffield Shield’s trial injury replacement rule. Cricket Australia is experimenting with this system and it could influence how Test cricket handles injuries in the future. So this match carries weight beyond just the points table.
NSW’s first innings was anchored by Josh Philippe’s 81, while Tasmania’s Riley Meredith claimed three wickets to keep things competitive. But as it stands, NSW are poised. One more burst with the ball and they could be chasing a modest target.
For Weatherald, this 95 matters. For Tasmania, the next session defines their season. Stay with us for continuing coverage as this gripping Sheffield Shield clash between Tasmania and New South Wales reaches its decisive moments.
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