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Why Weatherald is ‘not daunted’ by potential Test debut
Nicholas Quinlan • November 7th, 2025 8:07 pm
Tasmanian Tigers coach Jeff Vaughan has backed opener Jake Weatherald to make the most of any opportunity with the Australian Test team, after having made the 15-man squad for the First Ashes Test.
Since joining Tasmania in 2023 after spending eight seasons with South Australia, the 31-year-old has seen his name rise as a potential bolter to partner Usman Khawaja for the national team.
This has been off the back of his stellar form in the Sheffield Shield last season, where he finished up as the top run scorer (906 runs at an average of 50.33) and is currently sixth this season (248 runs at an average of 41.33).
He’s also followed it up when called upon for Australia A with a knock of 183 against Sri Lanka A in his hometown of Darwin back in July, helping enhance his case for selection.
With his form, the discussion of selection has been constant.
But as Vaughan notes (before his selection in the side), Weatherald’s experience in the domestic game has helped him deal with any potential pressure that has arisen.
“It’s certainly something that we spoke about coming into the summer,” he told SEN’s Sportsday.
“We knew it was going to be an abnormal time for him with all of the press and conversations, et cetera.
“He’s a pretty level-headed guy, Jake. He’s been playing domestic cricket for more than a decade.
“It feels like he’s just developed a lot of scar tissue over that time, which allows him to just navigate his way through lots of different situations within the game and selection.
“He’s pretty well equipped for it.”
Vaughan also acknowledged that the left-hander is excited by the possibility of making his Test debut.
And he will likely be channelling that emotion to ensure that he gives himself the best chance to make the first eleven.
“There’s no sign of him being anything different to what he has been the last couple of years with us down at Tassie,” Vaughan continued.
“So, he’s excited by it as well. He’s not daunted; I think he is feeling confident in his own game. If he got an opportunity (with the national team), I think he would be really confident to go out and perform and at least give himself a chance to perform.”
Following his selection, Weatherald will have one more opportunity to press his case for his Test debut before heading over to Perth with Tasmania playing South Australia at Bellerive Oval on November 10.
The Ashes begin on November 21 at Optus Stadium in Perth.
