Last Updated on 5 months ago by Charbel Coorey
Ian Healy has thrown his support behind Jake Weatherald ahead of the hugely anticipated Ashes series.
The former keeper-batsman believes Weatherald should open with Marnus Labuschagne to slot in at three. Healy then went on to say that Cameron Green should get the nod over Beau Webster provided he is bowling well enough.
“Beau Webster hasn’t convinced me his form his good enough” – Ian Healy on Ashes XI
Jake Weatherald was dismissed for 23 on day one of Tasmania’s clash against South Australia in Hobart. However, Healy said Weatherald shouldn’t be judged too harshly given the bowler-friendly conditions at Bellerive Oval.
“Even though Weatherald didn’t make many yesterday (Monday), I don’t mind him making 23 out of 209,” Healy said on SENQ Breakfast.
“When you lose a toss in Hobart and you see how green that wicket is, it can be dynamite to bat on a Shield wicket.”
Healy then explained that it can be a challenge for Weatherald to bat with a potential Ashes callup on his mind. The 31-year-old was selected in the squad last week and is a chance of featuring in Perth.
“He [Weatherald] would have been working hard and this is the hardest cricket Jake Weatherald will ever play, waiting to see whether he’s going to get selected in the XI,” Healy continued.
“He didn’t fail, he could have made none on that wicket, because plenty of them did.”
Down the order, Healy prefers Cameron Green to play at number six provided he is fit enough to bowl quality overs.
“If Green overcomes his body issues and bowls today (Tuesday) against Queensland, then that could cover the bowling,” said Healy.
“Only recently I had Green at three with Webster in the team as well for bowling security. But Beau hasn’t convinced me that his form is anywhere near as good as it was.”
Green made a good start with the ball in round four of the Sheffield Shield. He took a wicket off his 13th delivery of the day against Queensland at the WACA. By lunch, Green had figures of 1/7 from four overs, displaying good pace and rhythm.
Webster also impressed with the ball, taking 5/50 to help hand Tasmania a first innings lead. However, the incumbent all-rounder has had a slow start to his season since returning from an ankle injury, scoring 11, 8 and 13 in three innings.
Ian Healy’s Australia Ashes XI: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Jake Weatherald, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith (c), 5. Travis Head, 6. Cameron Green, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Nathan Lyon, 10. Josh Hazlewood, 11. Scott Boland
