Jake Weatherald’s audition for Ashes debut short-lived, NSW roll out big guns for Sheffield Shield
Jake Weatherald’s audition for an Australian debut didn’t go according to plan, with the opener failing to capitalise on a strong start for Tasmania.
The 31-year-old was picked in the Test squad last week but is still no certainty of earning a spot in the side for the Ashes series opener in Perth.
He is one potential candidate to open alongside Usman Khawaja, while the other man in the mix to fill the role is Marnus Labuschagne.
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Weatherald had a golden opportunity to stake his claim and impress selectors on Monday in the last Sheffield Shield game before the Test series begins.
Jake Weatherald Getty
He got off to a quickfire start, belting five boundaries before being dismissed by South Australia’s Liam Scott for 23 off just 33 balls.
The left-hander chopped on a delivery from Scott onto his own stumps.
In the other game that started on Monday morning, a star-studded NSW outfit bowled first against an undefeated Victoria outfit at the SCG.
Mitchell Starc opened the bowling alongside Test teammate Josh Hazlewood and after a solid start, Victoria lost their first wicket in the ninth over when the left-arm quick trapped opener Harry Dixon in front with an old-fashioned sandshoe crusher.
Mitchell Starc celebrates a wicket Getty
Nathan Lyon joined the party in the first session, dismissing Marcus Harris for 5.
Among the other high-profile names in the NSW side are Steve Smith and Sam Konstas, while all-rounder Beau Webster is in action for Tasmania.
Test squad member Brendan Doggett also picked an early wicket for SA.
Doggett isn’t expected to play at Optus Stadium, but is locked in a tight battle with Sean Abbott to be Australia’s back-up seamer while Pat Cummins is sidelined due to injury.
