Australian Test debutant Jake Weatherald has taken a characteristically light-hearted approach to his recent batting difficulties, sharing a humorous social media post following the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
A Cheeky Post Amidst Batting Struggles
The 31-year-old opener, who made his debut at the start of the current series, paired photos of himself signing autographs with a witty caption. "POV: signed more autographs than runs this match," he wrote on Instagram, referencing his modest returns of 10 and 5 with the bat in Melbourne.
Weatherald has scored 146 runs in the series at an average of 20.85, with a top score of 72 coming in the second Test. Since that innings, his form has dipped, failing to reach 20 in his subsequent five Test knocks. He was bowled in the second innings at the MCG as part of Australia's collapse.
England's Historic Victory and Series Context
His self-deprecating humour came after a significant defeat for the hosts. England secured their first Test victory on Australian soil in almost 15 years, winning the Boxing Day Test by four wickets. The match concluded inside two days, marking a dramatic turnaround.
Despite this loss, Australia has already retained the Ashes urn. They will have held it for just under a decade by the time the next series in England begins in 2027. The final Test of the summer is scheduled to start on Sunday in Sydney.
Series Standout Performers
While Weatherald searches for consistency, other Australian players have excelled. Mitchell Starc has been the standout bowler of the series, claiming 26 wickets at a remarkable average of 17.42. He has also contributed valuable lower-order runs, scoring 151 with two half-centuries.
With the bat, Travis Head leads the Australian averages with 437 runs at 54.62. The England win in Melbourne came shortly after batsmen Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell faced criticism for their conduct during the team's stay in Noosa earlier this month.
Following the Test's conclusion, members of the Australian squad, including Weatherald pictured next to Usman Khawaja, interacted with fans at the Summer Fest Fan Zone in Yarra Park, demonstrating a united front despite the on-field result.
