Australian vice-captain Travis Head has thrown his weight behind struggling opener Jake Weatherald, offering strong support despite the newcomer's challenging initiation into Test cricket during the ongoing Ashes series against England.
Weatherald's Rocky Start Gets Head's Backing
Since making his Test debut in the Ashes opener at Perth, Jake Weatherald has found runs hard to come by. His batting average has dipped below 21, a figure further impacted by scores of just 10 and 5 in the difficult conditions of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His international career began in the toughest fashion imaginable, dismissed for a duck by Jofra Archer on the second ball of his first innings.
However, Travis Head, speaking on Sunday, emphasised patience and belief in his South Australian teammate's abilities. "He showed a lot of glimpses over his first four Tests, and it’s not always going to go your way," Head stated. He drew parallels with other greats who also faced early struggles, noting, "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."
Head concluded with a firm vote of confidence, asserting, "But I think he’s a good enough player to play international cricket."
All-rounder Cameron Green Under Intense Scrutiny
While Weatherald seeks to find his footing, established all-rounder Cameron Green is also facing significant pressure. Selected ahead of Beau Webster, who boasts superior batting and bowling averages from his seven Tests, Green's contributions have been minimal in this series.
His bowling has yielded only three wickets at a very expensive average of 52.66 runs. With the bat, his form has been equally concerning. Once considered a potential long-term number three, the 26-year-old was demoted to number seven for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and has failed to reach 20 runs in his last four innings.
Former Australian captain Mark Taylor highlighted a crisis of confidence in the talented player. "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," Taylor remarked on Australian radio.
Series Context and What's Next
Despite the individual struggles of some players, the Australian team holds a commanding 3-1 lead in the five-match series. The focus now shifts to the final Test, scheduled to begin at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 4, 2026. The match presents a final opportunity for players like Weatherald and Green to cement their places and finish the storied series on a high note before the selectors' scrutiny intensifies.
