Weatherald has shown 'glimpses' that he can handle Test cricket

Travis Head believes his opening partner Jake Weatherald is a good enough player to handle international cricket long-term after showing glimpses across a challenging first four Tests in the Ashes.

Weatherald, 31, was selected for his Test debut in Perth on the back of an outstanding 18 months of performances for Tasmania and Australia A. But his first series has been a mix of promising innings and unfulfilled starts.

Scores of 0, 23, 72, 17*, 18, 1, 10 and 5 have left him averaging just 20.85 through four Tests. He has looked comfortable at times in reaching double-figures in five of his eight innings but has been left frustrated by not converting.

Head, who has batted with him in seven of his eight innings which has included two half-century stands, said Weatherald's game does belong at Test level despite the lean returns in a series that has provided some challenging conditions.

"I think he's a good enough cricketer for international cricket," Head said on Sunday. "I think he showed a lot of glimpses over his first four Tests, and it's not always going to go your way. I think there's a lot of guys that have looked like they've been on the pump with the bat who are some of the best in our generation. So it can be tough way to start your international career. But look, I think he's a good enough player to play international cricket."

Weatherald has found some unusual ways to get out and there have been a few variations on a theme. He has been trapped lbw three times by full, straight deliveries at high pace but one of those pitched clearly outside leg and he did not review it despite Head's urging. He has also been tucked up by two short balls into the arm pit and top edged half pulls straight up as a result.

In Melbourne he did not get enough bat on a glanced half-volley down leg and was caught behind while in the second innings he copped a peach from Ben Stokes from around the wicket, making a very late decision not to play and it veered back sharply to clip the outside of his off stump.

It was hard to be critical of the non-stroke given he could very well have inside edged it had he decided to play, such was the pronounced seam movement on an MCG pitch that produced 36 wickets in two days.

Despite some odd dismissals, Head believes his partner has looked good at times and was particularly impressed by his 72 in Brisbane.

"I felt like he set the ball up really well," Head said. "The runs haven't been there in the last couple of Tests, but he played a crucial innings for us in Brisbane. So over a series, looking for moments in time that could win you a series and he was able to do that in Brisbane."

The man who has produced key winning moments in the series is Head. That was not surprising given he was player of the series in the 2021-22 Ashes at home.

What has been surprising is that he has done it at the top of the order. Usman Khawaja had scored the lone century by an Australian opener in the previous 14 Tests prior to the start of the Ashes, with seven different players filling the role across that time. Head now has two in seven innings at the top of the order in this series.

Head top-scored for Australia again on a difficult surface in Melbourne. After his century in Adelaide he said he was a Test-by-Test proposition to open but he confirmed he would now do it for the final match at the SCG. However, he was unsure whether he would continue in the role beyond this summer given Australia do not play Test cricket again until August 2026 after Sydney.

"I see myself as the team's opening batter for the series, and then we've got a long gap between to sort of piece the puzzle together as to where the team wants to go to," Head said.

"I've felt quite good at the top. I've felt like I'm batting well. I think I'm lining the ball up well. Again for this series, I feel like I've been able to do a job for the team that's been able to put us in a position. So it's been pleasing to contribute in different ways."

He was asked what his message to the selectors will be if they ask for his opinion on opening long-term.

"You put me exactly where you want to put me to win a cricket game," Head said. "I have full confidence in wherever they see me fit. That's the best thing for the team, and that's how I'm more than pleased to set up."