Jake Weatherald Returns to South Australia: A New Chapter in His Cricket Career
Jake Weatherald's Surprising Comeback
Adelaide [Australia], April 28: Jake Weatherald has made an unexpected return to South Australia from Tasmania, as the two-time reigning Sheffield Shield champions announced the addition of seven new players to their roster for the upcoming season, according to reports from a cricket news outlet.
The left-handed batsman holds a central contract with Cricket Australia, allowing him to operate outside the domestic salary cap and select his state team. However, since he had two years left on his contract with Tasmania after extending it last April, he required approval from Tasmania to finalize the transfer.
After struggling to secure a spot in Tasmania's red-ball lineup during the 2023-24 season, Weatherald made a remarkable comeback the following summer, amassing 906 runs, including three centuries, which propelled him into the spotlight for international selection.
At 31, he made his Test debut in Perth last November and participated in all five Ashes Tests, contributing to Australia's 4-1 series win. He accumulated 201 runs at an average of 22.33, with his highest score being 72 in the first innings at the Gabba.
Weatherald expressed gratitude towards Cricket Tasmania for the opportunity to play, acknowledging the coaching staff and the program for their role in his development and for helping him achieve his aspiration of representing Australia in Test cricket.
“I want to thank Cricket Tasmania for the chance to not only play but to be part of an excellent program. Jeff (Vaughan, head coach), Sall(iann Beams, high-performance manager), and the entire team welcomed me and helped elevate my game, which was crucial in realizing my dreams of playing Test cricket for Australia,” Weatherald stated.
South Australia men's squad for the 2026-27 season includes:
Wes Agar, Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey (CA), Brendan Doggett (CA), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Gilkes, Travis Head (CA), Henry Hunt, Hanno Jacobs, Spencer Johnson, Jake Lehmann, Ben Manenti, Nathan McAndrew, Noah McFadyen, Nathan McSweeney, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Henry Thornton, Campbell Thompson, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Mackenzie Harvey, Jerrssis Wadia, Jake Weatherald (CA). Rookies: Thomas Brown, Kane Halfpenny, Douwtjie Hoogenboezem, Hayden Schiller.
New additions: Matthew Gilkes (NSW), Noah McFadyen, Jerrssis Wadia, Jake Weatherald (Tasmania), Thomas Brown, Kane Halfpenny, Hayden Schiller.
Departures: Daniel Drew, Thomas Kelly, Conor McInerney, Harry Matthias, Aidan Cahill.