Travis Head Shows Faith in Out-of-Form Opener Jake Weatherald Ahead of Ashes 2025-26

Australia’s Travis Head expressed his support for his opening partner, Jake Weatherald, following a challenging start to Weatherald’s Test career during an intense Ashes series. Weatherald made his debut in the opening Test against England in Perth, joining a series of players attempting to fill the gap left by David Warner’s retirement two years ago. This position has remained unsettled, and Weatherald has faced difficulties, accumulating 146 runs at an average of 20.85 over eight innings. Nearly half of these runs came from his impressive 72 during the second Test in Brisbane.

With players like Matt Renshaw and Sam Konstas ready to step in, Weatherald needs a significant performance in the final Test in Sydney to secure his spot.

“International cricket is extremely tough,” Head remarked in Melbourne after Australia lost the fourth Test by four wickets at home. “The wickets have been challenging overall in recent years, which is well-known. However, that’s not an excuse, and I believe Jake is a talented cricketer for international cricket. He has shown promising glimpses in his first four Tests.”

Weatherald isn’t the only Australian batsman under scrutiny, as both Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne have also struggled with their form. Head was moved to the opener position during the second innings in Perth when Usman Khawaja was sidelined due to back spasms. Head has excelled in this role, scoring two centuries, and he expresses his willingness to continue as an opener. “I see myself as this team’s opening batter for the series, and then we have a significant break to re-evaluate the team’s direction,” he stated. “I’ve felt comfortable at the top and feel like I’ve been batting well.”

Australia’s next Test series is scheduled for mid-2026 when they will host Bangladesh, following the conclusion of the final Ashes match in Sydney.

Published on December 28, 2025.