Jake Weatherald included in Australia's Ashes squad: Decoding his stats
What's the story
Jake Weatherald was included in Australia's Ashes squad named on Wednesday, November 5. The 31-year-old batter was selected ahead of Sam Konstas. Interestingly, Weatherald is the frontrunner to open the innings with Usman Khawaja in the first Test to be held at the Perth Stadium. However, his position is not yet guaranteed as chief selector George Bailey plans to finalize the team after this round of Sheffield Shield matches. We decode the player's stats and other details.
Selector's view
Weatherald's consistent performance over the last 18-24 months
Bailey praised Weatherald's consistent performance over the last 18-24 months. "I think if you look at Weatherald's performance over 18, 24 months, it's been really solid," Bailey said at a press conference. He also noted that Weatherald has a method of playing that complements other players in the squad. The South Australian batsman has scored three half-centuries in three Sheffield Shield matches this season.
Squad dynamics
Marnus Labuschagne can also open ahead of Weatherhald
Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped from the West Indies tour this year, is also in the squad. Bailey confirmed that the Queenslander has the "capability" to open. He said Labuschagne has made some adjustments and is in a "good place." The 31-year-old has already scored five centuries this season, including two in the Sheffield Shield. Bailey also revealed that as soon as Labuschagne was dropped from the West Indies tour team, his first question was about how many runs he needed to make a comeback.
Weatherhald
Decoding Weatherlad's First-Class stats and his performance in Sheffield Shield
Weatherald has so far featured in 76 First-Class matches, scoring a total of 5,269 runs at 37.63. Apart from 13 tons, he has hit 26 fifties. As per ESPNcricinfo, as many as 5,032 of Weatherald's runs in FC cricket have come in the Sheffield Shield. In 74 Sheffield Shield matches, Weatherald averages 36.46 from 141 innings. He owns 12 tons and 25 fifties.
Do you know?
His peformance in Sheffield Shield this season
The ongoing season of the Sheffield Shield has witnessed Weatherald score 248 runs from three matches (6 innings) at 41.33. He owns three fifties for Tasmania with a best score of 94.
Information
Australia squad for first Ashes Test against England
Australia squad for first Test against England: Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.