England avoid Ashes whitewash as fourth Test ends inside two days
England ensured the Ashes would not end in a clean sweep by securing a four-wicket win over Australia after just two days in the fourth Test at Melbourne.
Travis Head backs Jake Weatherald to make Test opener spot his own
Weatherald made his Test debut aged 31 in the opening Test of the Ashes in Perth and has shown signs of promise but is yet to really break through at the top level.
Scores of 0, 23, 72, 17*, 18, 1, 10 and 5 mean he averages just 20.85 in Test cricket and there are some concerns about his temperament after repeatedly losing his wicket following a positive start.
However, batting in The Ashes has been tough for everyone in the first four Tests and Head is confident Weatherald is good enough to become a permanent option at the top of the innings for Australia.
"I think he's a good enough cricketer for international cricket," Head said. "I think he showed a lot of glimpses over his first four Tests, and it's not always going to go your way.
"I think there's a lot of guys that have looked like they've been on the pump with the bat who are some of the best in our generation. So it can be tough way to start your international career. But look, I think he's a good enough player to play international cricket.
"I felt like he set the ball up really well. 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, looking for moments in time that could win you a series and he was able to do that in Brisbane."
Head was thrust into the role of opener with Australia struggling to find someone who could make the spot their own and he has excelled.
Despite his strong performances, though, Head is not certain he will remain an opener for Australia beyond the end of The Ashes.
"I see myself as the team's opening batter for the series, and then we've got a long gap between to sort of piece the puzzle together as to where the team wants to go to," Head said.
"I've felt quite good at the top. I've felt like I'm batting well. I think I'm lining the ball up well. Again for this series, I feel like I've been able to do a job for the team that's been able to put us in a position. So it's been pleasing to contribute in different ways."
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