Touching reason behind Test opener Jake Weatherald's seismic call to quit state contract
Rookie Test batter Jake Weatherald has made a big state move just weeks after landing his first Cricket Australia contract.
The 31-year-old left-hander is headed back to South Australia ahead of the next domestic season later this year.
The Northern Territory product made his state debut for South Australia in 2015 and spent eight seasons there before heading to Tasmania, where he has played the past three seasons.
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He had two more seasons to run on his contract but Tasmania has agreed to release him so he can move back to Adelaide.
Weatherald's wife has stayed back in South Australia for the past three years while the batter has spent much of the season based in Hobart.
Travis Head and Jake Weatherald batting for Australia. Getty
The fact Weatherald is now being paid through his Cricket Australia contract is reportedly part of the reason he's able to return to South Australia.
The Cricket Australia central contracts - of which there are only 21 in men's cricket this year - sit outside the state salary cap.
He will link up with Test teammate Travis Head at South Australia and strengthen the team that has already won the past two Sheffield Shield titles.
Weatherald flourished at Tasmania, scoring 906 runs at 50.33 during the 2024-25 season in what was a breakout campaign.
His form was rewarded at the end of 2025 with a Test debut for Australia, and he played all five matches against England in the Ashes.
Jake Weatherald playing for Tasmania celebrates scoring a century. Getty
The swashbuckling opener's form has continued in England's County cricket in recent weeks.
He most recently scored 104 for Leicestershire before retiring hurt. Before that he had recorded scores of 83, 31, and 96.
Exactly how many matches Weatherald is able to play for South Australia next season remains to be seen, given Australia's packed Test schedule.
The Aussies have a total of 13 Test matches scheduled to be played during the domestic season.
