Tiger opener blazes timely runs in Test reminder
Murray Wenzel |
Jake Weatherald has missed his century but landed a fresh blow in his battle for a Test debut.
The Tasmania opener raced to 94 off just 99 balls on day two of the Tigers’ Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia in Hobart before he was caught in the deep.
He had made 18 in the hosts’ first-innings total of 171, as no other player passed 41 on the tricky Bellerive Oval track until Jordan Silk (51 not out) late on day two.
The Tigers were 5-244 when rain stopped play slightly before stumps were due to be called.
The left-handed 30-year-old Weatherald topped last year’s Shield run-scorers’ list with 906 at an average of 50.33, and remains in the frame for a call-up for the first Ashes Test.
His commanding stroke-play, particularly square of the wicket, was impressive and potentially the perfect complement to the more sedate Usman Khawaja, who is all but assured of one opening spot at Optus Stadium against England next month.
Weatherald, a promising emerging talent at South Australia who has reignited his career with a move south, struck 13 fours and a six in his brisk knock on Thursday.
It came after the visitors had taken a lead of just one run on the first innings, at one stage losing 3-3 to be all out for 172 after beginning the day 4-107.
Brad Hope (4-51) ran through the tail, while Riley Meredith and Jackson Bird both finished with three wickets.
Matthew Kelly (3-47) was the pick of the WA bowlers in the Tigers’ second innings.
AAP
