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Travis Head Backs Jake Weatherald Amid Test Struggles, Confirms Opening Role

Travis Head has publicly supported his opening partner Jake Weatherald, who has struggled for runs in his first four Tests. Head acknowledged the challenging batting conditions but insisted Weatherald is good enough for international cricket. The vice-captain also confirmed his commitment to the opening role, where he has been highly successful this Ashes series. Head's backing comes as Weatherald's place is under scrutiny ahead of the final Test in Sydney.

Key Points: Head Backs Weatherald, Commits to Opening in Ashes

  • Head backs Weatherald's Test quality
  • Weatherald's tough start with 146 runs in 8 innings
  • Head confirms his role as opener for the series
  • Head has two Ashes centuries as opener
3 min read

Head backs struggling Weatherald, says 'he's good enough' to play international cricket

Travis Head supports struggling opener Jake Weatherald, affirming his Test quality and confirming his own role at the top for Australia.

"I think he's a good enough player to play international cricket. - Travis Head"

Melbourne, Dec 28

Travis Head has backed his opening partner Jake Weatherald has endured a tough start to his Test career, to turn things around.

Weatherald, who made his Test debut in the Ashes series opener after a stellar run of form at Sheffield Shield, managed just 146 runs from eight innings. The 31-year-old is expected to retain his spot in the final match at the SCG next week.

Weatherald Test future's is facing scrutiny following a glut of low scores, except his half century in the opener. But, Head feels there is plenty for Weatherald to offer and admitted the conditions on Australian pitches across the four matches have been difficult.

"International cricket is extremely tough. The wickets have been challenging across the board the last few years, that's well-documented. It's not an excuse and I think he's a good enough cricketer for international cricket and I think he showed a lot of glimpses over his first four Tests," Head said.

"It's not always gonna go your way and there's a lot of guys who look like they have been under the pump with the bat who are the best of our generation.

"It can be a tough way to start your international career, but I think he's a good enough player to play international cricket," he added.

Head further said he is happy to continue in his role as opener as the Ashes series against England heads to Sydney for the final Test of the home summer.

He has been a revelation for Australia since his move to the top of the order from No.5 and has already scored two centuries in the role during the Ashes to be the leading run-scorer of the series.

"I see myself as this team's opening batter for the series and then we've got a long gap between to piece the puzzles together for where the team wants to go," said Head.

"I've felt good at the top, I feel like I've been batting well. For this series, I feel like I've been able to do a job for the team and it's put us in good positions.

"It's been pleasing to be able to contribute in different ways and that's why I've always been open to how can I make the team better? If that means me at the top and we're a better cricket team and we're winning more, then I'm happy.

"There will be challenging times, but at the moment I feel like I'm moving really well, which is putting me in good positions against the new ball," he concluded.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, I appreciate this. The pressure at the international level is immense. Four Tests is too short a time to judge anyone. Give the man a proper run, like we do with our youngsters.
A
Arjun K
Honestly, with all due respect to Head, I'm not so sure. At 31, if you're struggling this much at the start, how long of a rope do you get? Australia has many young talents waiting. Sometimes being "good enough" isn't enough at this level. The selectors need to think long-term.
P
Priya S
Travis Head has been phenomenal as an opener! His own form gives him the right to speak. Weatherald is lucky to have such a supportive senior in the dugout. Hope he repays the faith in Sydney! 🇦🇺🏏
V
Vikram M
The conditions point is valid. Batting hasn't been easy anywhere, be it Australia, England, or India. It's a bowlers' world right now. Let's see how he goes at the SCG, usually a better batting wicket.
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Michael C
This is what team culture is about. Not throwing a teammate under the bus after a few failures. Head setting a great example. Indian team management should take note for how they handle our players' form slumps.

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