Jake Weatherald’s path to joining Australia’s Ashes squad is a story of resilience and dedication. Recently, while at a routine training session, Weatherald received a life-changing call from Australia’s chair of selectors, George Bailey, informing him of his inclusion in the 15-player Ashes squad for the first Test. Despite the monumental news, Weatherald chose to keep it to himself during the session, prioritizing the focus on training over personal celebration.
“It lasted about two minutes,” Weatherald said of the call with Bailey. “I didn’t want to bring it up [with Galeotti] because I felt like it would distract from the net session. I didn’t want to make it all about me. We’d have been talking about it the whole time and not training.”
Weatherald’s reserved response might seem unusual, but it aligns with his journey and mindset. Growing up in Darwin, he was a talented cricketer but lacked the drive and discipline needed to excel. “When you come from a very small place at the top of Australia, you don’t really have the same understanding and core concept of hard work,” he reflects.
Overcoming Personal Struggles
Weatherald’s journey has not been without its challenges. Twice since the pandemic, he has taken breaks from cricket to focus on his mental health. Diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, Weatherald faced periods of depression where he found no joy in activities he once loved.
“For some reason I had no joy in them, no interest at all,” Weatherald says. “You spend hours and hours in bed. You don’t want to get up or sit in the sun or see any light.”
It was his wife who helped him find a way out. “I lost a lot of respect for myself, but I respected her greatly,” Weatherald says. Her encouragement led him to seek help and understand the importance of his actions in managing his thoughts.
Finding His Cricketing Groove
Weatherald’s cricket career saw a turning point when he moved to Tasmania. Despite being dropped from the team early in the season, he used the time to reflect and improve. “I’d been a very chop and change cricketer, constantly looking for the next bright new thing to try,” he admits.
His perseverance paid off as he ended the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield season as the top scorer with 906 runs at an average of 50.33. His strike rate of 68.27 was second only to Alex Carey among those who scored over 500 runs that summer.
“If I play Test cricket I might have to bat for a day and score 40. I’ve got to be adaptable,” Weatherald explains. “I feel as though I’ve got the skill to rein it in and bat for long periods of time without taking any perceived risks.”
Looking Forward
As Weatherald prepares for the upcoming Ashes series, his journey serves as an inspiring testament to overcoming personal and professional challenges. His story highlights the importance of mental health awareness and the impact of supportive relationships.
In Australia, support is available at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, and at MensLine on 1300 789 978. In the UK, the charity Mind is available on 0300 123 3393 and Childline on 0800 1111. In the US, call or text Mental Health America at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Weatherald’s journey to the Ashes squad is not just about cricket; it’s about resilience, mental health, and the power of perseverance. As he steps onto the field, he carries with him the lessons learned from his struggles and the hope of a bright future in cricket.
