Australian batter Travis Head has backed Jake Weatherald as his opening partner following the South Australian’s rough start to his career in the Ashes.
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Since his test debut in the Ashes opener in Perth, Weatherald’s average is under 21 and it has been dragged down by scores of 10 and 5 in the loss against England on a tough pitch in the fourth Test in Melbourne. His career started with a duck in his first innings as Jofra Archer claimed his wicket on the second ball of the first Test.
“He showed a lot of glimpses over his first four Tests, and it’s not always going to go your way,” Head said about Weatherald on Sunday. “There are 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. “But I think he’s a good enough player to play international cricket.”
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Green under scanner
Apart from Weatherald, all-rounder Cameron Green has also come under the scanner. Picked ahead of Beau Webster, who has superior batting and bowling averages in his seven Tests, Green has managed only three wickets in the Ashes at a costly average of 52.66 runs.
Once seen as a potential long-term number three, 26-year-old Green was demoted to number seven for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and has not reached 20 runs in his past four innings.
Former Australian captain Mark Taylor told Australian radio that Green had lost some confidence despite his proven talent. “But in this game you’ve got to keep performing, that’s the bottom line and at the moment this hasn’t been a great series for him so far,” said Taylor.
Australia lead the series 3-1, with the fifth and final Test starting in Sydney from January 4.
