Jake Weatherald’s long-awaited dream of wearing the baggy green is on the horizon. The 31-year-old opener has been named in Australia’s 15-player squad for the first Ashes Test against England, a reward for his remarkable form and personal transformation. Since the start of the 2024–25 season, Weatherald has piled up 1,391 runs at an average of 53.5, including a standout 183 for Australia A against Sri Lanka A.
His reaction to the life-changing call from selectors was typically understated. Even after learning the news, Weatherald continued training, preferring not to make it about himself. That humility and focus reflect the mindset of a player who has overcome serious mental health battles to rediscover his passion and consistency.
Twice in recent years, Weatherald stepped away from cricket to protect his mental wellbeing. Diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder, he endured periods of depression where even simple pleasures like training, fishing, or playing the guitar felt meaningless. With his wife’s support and professional help, he rebuilt his life and career, learning to manage his thoughts and focus on positive action.
Moving from South Australia to Tasmania marked a turning point. There, Weatherald found clarity and discipline, determined to become “un-droppable.” After initially being left out, he responded by topping the 2024–25 Sheffield Shield run charts with 906 runs at 50.33, cementing his case for national selection.
Weatherald’s story is not just about statistics but perseverance. He speaks candidly about the importance of self-awareness, hard work, and resilience — lessons that have shaped both his cricket and character. As he prepares for a possible Test debut in Perth, Weatherald stands as a testament to the power of persistence and mental strength in elite sport.
His journey serves as an inspiring reminder that setbacks can fuel comebacks, and that true success often lies not in perfection, but in the courage to start again.
