Australian opener Sam Weatherald has found himself in the spotlight ahead of the upcoming crucial Ashes Test, not only for his batting form but also for his unique pre-match rituals that have become a talking point inside the dressing room.
With the Ashes series finely balanced, every player’s preparation is under scrutiny — and Weatherald’s has been no exception.
A Ritual That Brings Focus
Sources close to the Australian camp have revealed that Weatherald follows a strict pre-match routine before every Test. From arriving early at the ground to wearing the same warm-up gear and repeating the same batting drills, the opener believes these habits help him remain mentally sharp.
In elite sport, such routines are common. They create a sense of control in high-pressure situations — something Weatherald desperately needs right now as he battles inconsistency at the top of the order.
A Tough Phase With the Bat
Despite his disciplined preparation, Weatherald has endured a difficult run of form. In the ongoing Ashes, he has struggled to convert starts into big scores, often falling early to England’s aggressive new-ball attack.
Opposition bowlers have clearly targeted him with full-length deliveries and swing, forcing him to play early — a weakness that has cost Australia quick wickets at crucial moments.
Team Management Backs Him
However, the Australian team management continues to back Weatherald. Coaches believe his solid technique and ability to score quickly in the powerplay overs make him valuable, especially against England’s experienced bowling lineup.
With the next Test set to be played under intense pressure, selectors see this match as a potential turning point for Weatherald — either a return to form or a moment that could decide his future in the series.
High Stakes at the Top Order
Australia’s top order has been under heavy scrutiny throughout the series. With early wickets falling frequently, the responsibility on openers like Weatherald has grown enormously.
If he can survive the opening spells and settle at the crease, Australia’s middle order will benefit from a more stable platform — something that has been missing so far.
What Lies Ahead
As the Ashes enters a decisive phase, Weatherald’s mental strength, routines, and resilience will be tested more than ever. Whether his pre-match ritual becomes the foundation of a comeback or just a curious footnote will be revealed when he walks out to bat in this vital Test.
All eyes will be on him.Jake Weatherald was the lone figure on the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday morning as he walked onto the turf with only his bat for company. Overnight rain had delayed preparations, but once the covers were removed and the pitch was trimmed and marked, Weatherald quietly began a routine that has become his trademark this Ashes summer.
Standing on a nearby practice strip just a few metres from the Test wicket, the Australian opener slipped into his familiar stance. He tapped his bat on the surface, imagined an approaching delivery, and let it go untouched — shadow-batting against an invisible bowler. For Weatherald, this ritual is not superstition; it is mental conditioning.
The 31-year-old has performed this same routine before every Test this season. It is his way of sharpening focus and settling his nerves, a method that mirrors the pre-game habits once used by former Australian great Matthew Hayden.
As the minutes passed, Weatherald expanded his imaginary innings. He leaned forward in defence, worked the ball to mid-wicket, and sliced through the off-side with crisp cuts — all without a real ball being bowled. Joking about the process, he admitted that in his mind he often gets out several times before the real match even begins.
“It actually puts me in a good space,” Weatherald said. “And it saves the net bowlers a bit of hard work too.”
Tasmanian Move Transforms His Career
Weatherald’s rise has been anything but accidental. After moving to Tasmania in 2023, he reinvented himself as one of the Sheffield Shield’s most dependable batters. His breakthrough came in the 2024-25 season, when he finished as the competition’s leading run-scorer with a remarkable strike rate of 68.27, comfortably higher than anyone else in the tournament.
Those numbers could not have arrived at a better time for Australian cricket. With David Warner’s retirement leaving a massive gap at the top of the order, selectors were desperate for a long-term solution.
Weatherald answered that call.
Ashes Opportunity Seized
The left-hander made his Test debut in November, stepping into one of the toughest roles in Australian cricket. In just his second match, he showed his temperament with a composed 72-run innings, instantly proving that he belonged at the highest level.
Now, as the Ashes reach a crucial stage, Weatherald’s preparation — both physical and mental — has taken centre stage. His quiet, methodical routine on the SCG turf may look unusual, but it reflects a player who is deeply invested in mastering his craft.
In a series defined by pressure and fine margins, Weatherald’s calm, ritual-driven approach could yet be one of Australia’s most valuable assets.
