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Test hopeful confirms he’s “actively hunting” Ashes spot
Lachlan Geleit • August 1st, 2025 2:07 pm
Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald is making an unlikely push to play in this summer’s Ashes series.
The 30-year-old left-hander was last season’s Sheffield Shield top run scorer with 906 runs at 50.33, and he’s carried that form into this winter, making scores of 54 and 183 for Australia A in their recent clashes against Sri Lanka A in Darwin.
With the ability to score quickly at the top of the order and the recent struggles of Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja, things seem to be falling into place for Weatherald just at the right time.
After his big knock in Darwin, Weatherald says he was told by chief selector George Bailey that opportunities will come his way if the runs keep flowing.
“I think it's all just culminating at the right time,” Weatherald told SEN Tassie Breakfast.
“Obviously, after the series, I was told, ‘Congratulations. Well done on making the runs. How'd you feel?’, all of that sort of stuff.
“Then they just sort of said, ‘If you keep going well, then there are opportunities in the future’, but that's about as far as it goes, really.”
Having never represented his country, Weatherald wasn’t shy when asked if he was hunting an opening Test spot for this year’s summer.
“Definitely. I'm not going to lie, I’m actively hunting that spot,” Weatherald said.
“With the Ashes coming up and with such a big opportunity to play for Australia, I think everyone is keen to play.
“For me, I'm driven to be in a team that's playing in the Ashes, and I think that's a good goal for myself. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. But at the same time, it's a good driver for me.
“Obviously, this part of the year when we’re still months away, there’s plenty of time to get ready, do the right things and put your name in lights when the opportunity comes.”
With 73 First Class games of experience under his belt, Weatherald was asked how he’d sell himself to Bailey if he was called up and asked to convince him why he should earn a baggy green for the first Test.
Simply put, the left-hander thinks he’s never been better equipped to succeed at the top of the game.
“I just think I'm in a period of my career where I feel as though I know my game and I feel as though I've got a game that sets up to score well against good quality bowling,” Weatherald said.
“I've played in Australia for nearly 10 years now, so I think, for the conditions that are provided, I feel as though that I'm ready to go.
“I’ve invested time into my game, and I feel like I’m ready to score around the ground against high-quality bowlers, which I think is something you want to be successful in Australia.
“If I'm the only option left, I might be the best option, so that might be the best thing for me.”
Listen to Weatherald’s full chat below.
