Australian batter Travis Head has thrown his support behind new opening partner Jake Weatherald as the hosts face big selection calls ahead of the final Ashes Test.
Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green are all under increasing pressure, after Australia crashed to their first home Ashes defeat in 15 years in Melbourne.
There is also a focus on veteran Usman Khawaja, who batted at No.5 in the Boxing Day Test and could retire at the end of the series.
Australia hold an unbeatable 3-1 lead heading into the fifth and final Test in Sydney, starting on January 4.
Weatherald has made three single-figure scores and only one half-century in eight innings this series, averaging 20.85 on what Head described as “challenging” wickets.
“He showed a lot of glimpses over his first four Tests, and it’s not always going to go your way,” Head said of his fellow South Australian on Sunday.
“There’s a lot of guys that have looked like they’ve been under the pump with the bat who are some of our best in our generation, so it can be a tough way to start your international career.
“But l think he’s a good enough player to play international cricket.”
Weatherald has been trapped lbw three times and caught behind twice, and overall dismissed seven times in four different ways by England’s bowlers throughout the series.
“Definitely you can say it’s a positive that that is the case, that he hasn’t got a trend,” Head said.
“The runs haven’t been there in the last couple of Tests, but (he) played a crucial innings for us in Brisbane.
“So over a series you’re looking for moments in time that will win you a series.”
Weatherald and Labuschagne appear likely to hold their spots for the Sydney Test, but Green’s spot is under serious threat.
The West Australian has averaged just 18.66 with the bat this series and was heavily criticised over his two dismissals in Melbourne.
Meanwhile, Khawaja faces a call on his playing future ahead of what Australian great Brett Lee believes could be a “special” farewell for the veteran in Sydney.
Khawaja has endured a rollercoaster Ashes series, averaging 30.6 from five innings with one half-century.
The former Test opener was moved to No.4 in Perth and missed the Brisbane Test with a back injury.
He returned with 82 and 40 in Adelaide but was out for 29 and a second-ball duck in the Boxing Day Test.
At 39, Khawaja is nearing the end of his Test career, but is yet to make an announcement on his immediate playing future.
Former fast bowler Lee said the Sydney Test could be a fitting stage for his fellow NSW product to retire.
“That’ll be up to him, but it’d be a special way for him to go out, wouldn’t it?” Lee said on Sunday.
“Home ground, a chance to win (the series) 4-1, but we’ll wait and see in a couple of days.”
Lee conceded Khawaja’s age counts against him playing on beyond this series but paid tribute to the left-hander.
Khawaja has made more than 8000 international runs, including 6206 from 87 Tests at an average of 43.39.
“Just a couple of weeks ago he was, and has been, one of Australia’s greatest batsmen,” Lee said.
“He’s in the team because of what he’s achieved, and he wasn’t left out (in Brisbane) due to form. He was left out because of his injury – his back.
“I don’t know what’s going on in his life, in terms of his professional cricket life, but all I can say is that he’s been instrumental for Australia.
“He’s been such a great role model for young kids coming through.”
https://thewest.com.au/sport/cricket/head-a-fair-weatherald-friend-c-21138891
