Travis Head would approve of this Jake Weatherald. Now he’s supporting him as his new opening partner in the Australian Test cricket team. Despite a tough series, in which Weatherald has struggled with bat in hand, Head continues to be encouraged by his teammate’s promise.
At the same time, Weatherald’s play is being criticized. He has failed to score more than three single-figure scores and just one half-century in eight innings so far in this current series. His strike rate of 20.85 on what Head termed “difficult” wickets isn’t one for the highlights reel. In this series, Weatherald was put under great pressure by England’s bowlers. He has been out seven times in four different fashions, including three lbw traps and two catches behind the stumps.
In a recent statement, Head noted, “He showed a lot of glimpses over his first four Tests, and it’s not always going to go your way.” That sense of disappointment is typical of the emotional rollercoaster ride that marks the beginning of any international career. The Australian opener emphasized that “there’s a lot of guys that have looked like they’ve been under the pump with the bat who are some of our best in our generation, so it can be a tough way to start your international career.”
Weatherald’s crucial innings in Brisbane, stating, “The runs haven’t been there in the last couple of Tests, but (he) played a crucial innings for us in Brisbane.” He believes that throughout the series, moments like these can help define its outcome, saying, “So over a series you’re looking for moments in time that will win you a series.”
At a recent “kids day” event at the MCG, Head listened to and played with eager young fans. This came on the heels of a Boxing Day Test that finished in record time, concluding in two days. Looking back on the day, he said simply, “It’s the least we can do.” This pledge emphasized the new team’s focus on being genuinely responsive to fan engagement.
As Head celebrated his birthday on December 16, he took time to participate in a charity event aimed at providing food to those experiencing homelessness. This initiative further emphasizes the team’s dedicated role in community outreach outside of cricket.
As talks around potential exhibition matches and future selections began to heat up, Head went on record to share his doubts about a one-day match against England. He said that he’s already begun talks about hosting an exhibition match with MCC chief Stuart Fox. Right now, he’s opposed to the infrastructure idea.
Both Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green have faced challenges during this series, adding pressure on the team as they navigate through their batting lineup. Second, Usman Khawaja’s future has been up for debate, with several suggesting that he is a candidate for retirement.
“Definitely you can say it’s a positive that that is the case, that he hasn’t got a trend,” he stated regarding Weatherald’s varied dismissals.
