From Darwin’s sunny pitches to the buzzing stadiums of Adelaide, Jake Weatherald has carved a niche in Australian cricket.
Born on November 4, 1994, Jake burst onto the scene as a formidable opening batsman. He first showcased his talent for South Australia, impressing in both first-class and one-day formats.
Jake’s journey in cricket gained momentum in the 2015-16 season. Debuting in the Sheffield Shield, he quickly turned heads. His bat spoke volumes, delivering two significant half-centuries in the final.
Key Takeaways
Hide- Early Promise: Jake Weatherald showed his cricketing talent early in Darwin and South Australia, quickly establishing himself as a formidable batsman.
- Sheffield Shield Impact: His impactful debut in the Sheffield Shield with South Australia included two significant half-centuries in the final.
- Consistent Performer: Weatherald has been a consistent and key player for South Australia and the Adelaide Strikers, highlighted by his squad number 28.
- International Exposure: His stint with the Quetta Gladiators in 2021 marked a significant step into international cricket.
- Record-Breaking Partnerships: Notably, his partnership with Henry Hunt set a record for South Australia with a 293-run opening stand.
- Versatility on Field: Weatherald's skills extend beyond batting, as evidenced by his participation in what was called the greatest catch ever during BBL|07.
- Personal Growth: Weatherald's journey is not just about cricket; his decision to prioritize mental health in 2020 speaks to his personal growth and the human aspect of sports.
Since then, Jake’s career has soared. He’s been a staple in the South Australia lineup and the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League. Each season, his contract renewal is a testament to his consistent performances.
Jake’s rise in cricket is a story of skill, determination, and sheer talent. Watch him as he continues to shine on cricket’s grand stages.
Jake Weatherald’s Cricket Career: Beginnings (2013–2017)
Jake Weatherald’s cricket tale begins in Darwin, where he first showcased his talent. In 2013, he dazzled in the West End Premier League with the Northern Territory Strike.
His prowess shone bright, scoring a century against Papua New Guinea. Soon after, Weatherald switched gears, playing grade cricket in South Australia.
He started with Sturt as a wicket keeper-batsman, later moving to Adelaide University before the 2015–16 season.
February 2016 marked a pivotal turn for Weatherald. He replaced Mark Cosgrove in the South Australia cricket team. His first-class debut was remarkable, scoring 58 runs from 83 balls against New South Wales.
Weatherald’s consistent performance helped South Australia reach the 2015–16 Sheffield Shield final. There, he hit two impressive half-centuries.
In the 2016–17 Matador BBQs One-Day Cup, Weatherald’s skills were undeniable. He scored 41 runs in his List A debut against Western Australia.
His standout moment came against Cricket Australia XI. Opening the batting, Weatherald scored a half-century in 31 balls, a century in 66, ending with 141 runs at Hurstville Oval.
Over the tournament, Weatherald amassed 284 runs, striking at 108.81 per 100 balls. This feat landed him a contract with the Adelaide Strikers.
He became the top run-scorer in Australian domestic cricket under 25, from December 2015 to December 2016.
Weatherald was the runner-up for the 2017 Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year, second only to Hilton Cartwright.
The 2016–17 Sheffield Shield season saw Weatherald’s continued dominance. He scored 60 runs in the first innings of his second Sheffield Shield final.
Remarkably, he also took his maiden first-class wicket, bowling out Aaron Finch in his debut domestic cricket over.
Domestic Team Information
Breakout Season (2017–present)
Jake Weatherald burst onto the cricket scene in the 2017–18 season. During an Australian intra-squad match in Darwin, he dazzled with a rapid 96 from just 52 balls. Although not selected for the Bangladesh tour, this performance marked his arrival.
In the JLT One-Day Cup that followed, Weatherald formed a formidable opening pair with Alex Carey. Together, they amassed three hundred-run stands.
Notably, their 212-run partnership in the elimination final against Victoria turned heads. Weatherald himself notched up two centuries, showcasing his skill.
The Sheffield Shield season witnessed Weatherald’s career-best form. Playing against Western Australia at the WACA, he achieved twin centuries in a single match.
First, he smashed a swift 152 off 160 balls, his highest score to date. Then, with a resilient 143 off 281 balls, he propelled the Redbacks to a stunning victory.
This feat marked South Australia’s highest chase at the WACA and was a first since Darren Lehmann’s twin centuries, eighteen seasons earlier.
Weatherald’s brilliance wasn’t limited to batting. During BBL|07, he was part of what Michael Vaughan called the greatest catch ever.
As 2019 rolled in, anticipation for his performance in the Marsh One-Day Cup grew, cementing his status as one to watch.
November 11, 2019, brought another highlight. Partnering with Henry Hunt, Weatherald set a record-breaking 293-run opening stand for South Australia.
This achievement etched their names in the annals of first-class cricket history. However, in a surprising turn, Weatherald stepped away from the game in October 2020, prioritizing his mental health.
Jake Weatherald’s journey, filled with record-breaking feats and awe-inspiring moments, reflects the unpredictability and thrill of cricket. His hiatus reminds us that behind every athlete’s glory, lies a human story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What were the significant highlights of Jake Weatherald's early career?
Jake Weatherald’s early career was marked by impressive performances, starting with his debut for South Australia in 2015/16. He gained attention with two significant half-centuries in the Sheffield Shield final and continued to excel in both first-class and one-day formats.
What are some of Jake Weatherald's remarkable achievements in domestic cricket?
Weatherald’s domestic cricket journey is highlighted by his role as a key player for both South Australia and the Adelaide Strikers, wearing squad number 28. His international stint with Quetta Gladiators in 2021 further showcased his adaptability and skill.
How did Jake Weatherald make an impact in the 2017–18 season and beyond?
In the 2017–18 season, Weatherald’s 96 runs off 52 balls in an intra-squad match signaled his breakout. He formed a formidable opening pair with Alex Carey in the JLT One-Day Cup, achieving multiple hundred-run stands and twin centuries in the Sheffield Shield against Western Australia.
