Will Weatherald open with Khawaja in Ashes opener?

Will Weatherald Open with Khawaja in Ashes Opener?

Australia's Jake Weatherald is enthusiastic about the chance to open the batting with Usman Khawaja in the first Ashes Test against England later this month, even though he was not Khawaja's initial choice.

The 31-year-old, who has yet to be capped at Test level, is not guaranteed a spot at the top of the order for the opening match in Perth. However, being named in Australia's 15-man squad is a significant achievement for him.

“It is a pinch-yourself moment,” Weatherald said in Hobart on Friday. “As a kid in Australia, you grow up wanting to play professional sport; representing Australia in cricket is the highest honour, and something that I've aspired to my whole career.”

Khawaja had expressed a preference to open with Matt Renshaw, but added he would be excited to partner with Weatherald at some point.

“I've played a lot of cricket against him ... Conditions last year were pretty hard at Shield cricket, and he was a standout,” said Khawaja, 38, praising Weatherald's consistency in an interview with Fox Cricket.

Australia hopes all-rounder Cameron Green will bowl his full quota, which would allow him to bat at number six and let Weatherald and Khawaja open, with Marnus Labuschagne comfortably at number three.

Author's Summary

Jake Weatherald eagerly anticipates opening with Usman Khawaja in the upcoming Ashes opener, embracing the proud milestone of his first Test squad selection.

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Rediff.com Rediff.com — 2025-11-07

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