Tasmania 358 for 3 (Weatherald 185*, Doran 89*, District 51) vs. queensland
The 31-year-old sent another reminder of the quality of top-order batsmen on the Australian domestic scene, although after making an unbeaten 185 he said he had probably left his career too late to be in the Test equation.
Weatherald and Doran added 161 off 177 deliveries in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand after Tim Ward had played a good hand at No. 3.
Weatherald’s highest Shield score is the 198 he made while playing for South Australia against Tasmania in 2019. He had scored a couple of 40s in the early Shield rounds this season but had been unable to make the most of the openings.
After the day’s play he spoke of the welcome focus the leadoff hitters have had nationally this season following the retirement of David Warner.
“It’s been a bit of a circus in Australia trying to find a starter, but it’s been incredible to watch,” Weatherald said. “I’m very happy for Nathan. [McSweeney] get a gig. I think he deserves that place.
“I definitely left my streak too late, but I think there are some good starts. Sam Whiteman is playing very well and Caleb Jewel has been very good for a long time. Hopefully we can keep putting the pressure on the Australian guys.”
Tasmania had been bowled out for 98 in the second innings of their previous Shield clash against Western Australia, but none of that fragility showed.
Queensland were to blame for poor line and length players and occasional shoddy fielding did not help their cause. Swepson seemed to run out of ideas as none of the six players used troubled the visitors. They were missing bowler Michael Neser with a hamstring injury and his absence was felt.
Weatherald chased the bowling from the start, as his strike rate of 91.58 suggests.
“Probably the last game I felt like I was a little bit behind, so this game there was momentum to go out and get the ball and I thought that worked well on that field,” he said. “It was a little tough at first, but they gave us some scoring opportunities, which was good. It’s a great place to hit and you get a good reward.”
