Darwin opener Jake Weatherald in midst of mind-boggling purple patch

The 2024 Sheffield Shield leading run scorer and Tasmanian player of the year has been on an absolute tear over the past five and a half months, and doesn’t look as if he’s slowing down any time soon.

Following a red-hot Sheffield Shield season in 2024-25, Weatherald scored a 54 and a 183 for Australia A against Sri Lanka in the Northern Territory before then backing up with consecutive tons in Darwin Premier cricket.

Last weekend he smashed 188 from just 161 balls against Palmerston, just days after blitzing a 96-ball century against Southern Districts.

It’s been widely and extensively discussed throughout the sports media as to whether or not Weatherald should be the opener for the Ashes, with Weatherald himself saying he’s “hunting’ a baggy green.

The Darwin-born opener has been thriving since returning home to the Top End, adding to his Shield exploits over the summer.

As it stands, Weatherald is averaging an astonishing 110.22 from his last 10 trips to the crease in red ball cricket.

Weatherald has amassed 992 runs via five centuries and three half centuries, with two scores below 10.

His runs have come in three separate teams and at three different levels: Sheffield Shield, Australia A and Darwin A-grade.

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When compared to the most recent opening Test duo, Usman Khawaja/Sam Konstas, the numbers speak for themselves.

In their last 10 red ball innings Khawaja is averaging 14.60, while Konstas is hovering a touch under 18 at 17.90.

Obviously there is some nuance in the stats, particularly the calibre of opposition, however as an athlete you can only play what’s in front of you and Weatherald has done just that.

Originally published as Darwin opener Jake Weatherald in midst of mind-boggling purple patch