Jake Weatherald Earns Long-Awaited Test Call-Up After Years of Perseverance

Jake Weatherald has received the Ashes call for the first time, and he is super excited to be part of the Aussies squad this summer. Weatherald is one of those players who have performed tremendously in Australia’s domestic circuit over the past few years. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the opportunity before because the Aussie squad was already packed with specialist test openers.

However, with the departure of David Warner, a ray of hope came for him. Being a seasoned domestic performer who has scored loads of runs in the Sheffield Shield, Weatherald grabbed his opportunity. The recent announcement of the Australia squad for the first Ashes test has named Jake Weatherald as a specialist opening batter. This is a remarkable achievement for the South Australian batter, who once thought his moment of glory might never come.

"Playing for Australia's the hardest thing to do in Australian sport. It was always a goal that felt maybe a little bit out of reach at times. But at the same time, I probably got comfortable with myself to know that if I did the right things, at the right time, and I took my opportunities, then I'd be ready to go. It is a pinch-yourself moment.” said Jake Weatherald.

He then described playing for Australia as the greatest honor of his career. As a kid, it had always been his dream, one that has now finally come true.

"As a kid in Australia, you grow up wanting to play professional sport; representing Australia in cricket is the highest honour, and something that I've aspired to my whole career." said Jake Weatherald.

When asked whether he has the backing of all team players like Usman Khawaja to feature in the first test, Weatherald jokingly said that he didn’t a few days back. The South Australia batter then praised Khawaja, saying that getting the back of players like him is not an easy task.

"He didn't have me in four days ago. You get the backing of someone like that who's played so much first-class cricket, so much Test cricket.” said Jake Weatherald.

He then described his excitement about opening with Khawaja in the upcoming Test. It certainly looks like a strong possibility, as Australia currently do not have any other specialist opener in the squad.

"He's made so many hundreds for Australia and is such a respected cricketer within our community. I'd be really excited to partner up with him at some point." said Jake Weatherald.

Usman Khawaja himself praised the decision to include Jake Weatherald in the squad. He described Weatherald as a terrific player who has proven himself in the Australian domestic circuit by scoring plenty of runs.

"He's been knocking the door down. I've played a lot of cricket against him...he's a terrific player. Conditions last year were pretty hard at Shield cricket, and he was a standout." said Usman Khawaja.

Getting words of appreciation like these from top players is a big achievement for Jake Weatherald. Over the years, he has matured into a specialist player who understands how to handle tough pressure while playing professional cricket.

"We've got to a point in our careers where we understand our games and how to handle the media, how to handle the pressures of playing first-class cricket. Hopefully that keeps me in good stead." said Jake Weatherald.

The South Australia batter is confident that he can adapt to different conditions and situations in the upcoming matches. He has a firm belief in his skills that has so far given him plenty of success in the Sheffield Shield cricket.

"I think the way I operate is probably around that [being positive]. But at the same time, I'm not too preconceived about what I want to do. I feel adaptable. I don't feel like a one-gear player. I feel like I can do different things.” said Jake Weatherald.

The first Ashes test is slated to start from November 21 in Perth. Jake Weatherald is quite confident for this match, as he is currently in good scoring form. He is looking forward to the contest with an open mindset, as facing England quicks on fast, bouncy pitches will bring an exciting challenge for him.