Jake Weatherald 'Well in the Mix' for Ashes Despite Omission from Australia A Tour, Says Bailey

Jake Weatherald remains a strong contender for Australia's Test squad for the upcoming Ashes series, according to national selector George Bailey, despite being left out of the Australia A tour to India next month.

Weatherald, 30, was the leading run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield last season with 906 runs at an average of 50.33, including three centuries. He also impressed with scores of 54 and 183 in two unofficial Tests for Australia A against Sri Lanka A in July. However, he was overlooked for the India A tour, with selectors instead opting for younger prospects such as Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, and Campbell Kellaway.

Bailey explained that the tour selections were made with the 2027 Test tour of India in mind, and performances in Indian conditions would carry limited relevance for the upcoming home Ashes series against England.

“His performance last year was awesome. His performance in the Australia A matches was great too,” Bailey said. “The clear message to him is to continue what he's doing and be consistent. If he starts the season the way he finished the last, he’ll be well in the mix.”

Konstas Still Under Consideration Despite Caribbean Struggles

Sam Konstas, who managed just 25 runs across three Tests in the Caribbean earlier this year, was retained for the India A tour in hopes of further development. Bailey revealed that selectors are taking a long-term view with the 19-year-old, believing exposure to subcontinental conditions will benefit him ahead of future tours.

“Any player going somewhere new for the first time, take performance out of it — the goal is to come away with a better understanding of their own game and how to play in those conditions,” Bailey said. “Sam has already reflected on the Caribbean tour and is training with new intent.”

However, Bailey noted that runs in Lucknow on spinning pitches would not automatically translate into Ashes selection.

“There’s some separation there. The surface of Lucknow isn’t going to tell us much about the pitches we’ll face this summer in Australia,” he said. “The first three rounds of the Shield will be critical.”

Labuschagne, Stoinis Remain in Contention

Marnus Labuschagne, who was recently left out of the Champions Trophy squad, remains in the Ashes conversation. He is set to return for the three ODIs against South Africa later this month.

“We know that Marnus at his best can certainly perform on Australian pitches,” Bailey said.

Veteran allrounder Marcus Stoinis, currently playing in The Hundred for Trent Rockets, is also being considered for the 2026 T20 World Cup squad despite missing recent white-ball series.

“He remains firmly in the plans,” Bailey confirmed. “His skillset — power hitting and the ability to bowl a few handy overs — is highly valued.”

Matt Short Set to Miss First Two T20Is

Meanwhile, Matt Short has been ruled out of the first two T20Is against South Africa in Darwin as he continues to recover from a side strain. Bailey expects him to return as a batter for the third game, with bowling duties to resume later in the ODI series.

Short had opened alongside Travis Head in the Champions Trophy but missed the semi-final through injury. Bailey hinted at a potential role change, suggesting Short could transition to the middle order, following the example of rising star Mitchell Owen.

“We’ve seen Shorty have success at the top, but it’s getting crowded there,” Bailey said. “He’s had some experience in the middle, and that’s a skillset we’d like to develop.”

With the Ashes looming, selectors are clearly prioritizing domestic form, and early-season Shield runs are set to weigh heavily in final decisions — leaving the door wide open for players like Jake Weatherald to seize their chance.