Emerging Test batter Jake Weatherald has made a significant return to state cricket merely weeks after securing his inaugural Cricket Australia contract.
The 31-year-old left-handed batsman is set to rejoin South Australia as the domestic season approaches later this year.
Hailing from the Northern Territory, Weatherald made his state debut for South Australia in 2015, spending eight seasons there before moving to Tasmania, where he has played for the last three seasons.
Despite having two years left on his contract with Tasmania, the state has consented to release him, allowing him to return to Adelaide.
During the last three years, Weatherald’s wife remained in South Australia while he was predominantly based in Hobart for the season.
Travis Head and Jake Weatherald batting for Australia. Getty
Weatherald’s ability to return to South Australia has reportedly been aided by his recently secured Cricket Australia contract, which is funded outside the state salary cap. With only 21 central contracts in men’s cricket this year, this move provides him with a financial buffer.
He’ll team up once again with Test colleague Travis Head in South Australia, reinforcing a squad that has clinched the last two Sheffield Shield titles.
Weatherald enjoyed a remarkable season at Tasmania, amassing 906 runs at a remarkable average of 50.33, marking a standout year for him.
This exceptional performance culminated in a Test debut for Australia in late 2025, where he participated in all five matches of the Ashes series against England.
Jake Weatherald celebrates a century while playing for Tasmania. Getty
The dynamic opener has notably maintained his impressive form in England’s county cricket circuit recently.
His latest innings saw him score 104 for Leicestershire before retiring hurt, following up on previous scores of 83, 31, and 96.
It remains uncertain exactly how many matches Weatherald will be able to participate in for South Australia next season, given Australia’s congested Test schedule.
In total, the Aussies are set to play 13 Test matches during the domestic season.
Compiled by SportArena.au.
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