Cricket world rallies around Aussie star as Test career likely over after brutal setback

Cricket fans and commentators are expressing their sympathies for Jake Weatherald after his axing for the second match against Bangladesh likely brought an end to his Test career. Selectors opted to bring Matt Renshaw into the squad at the expense of Weatherald, who hasn't fired at the top of the order.

The 31-year-old made 224 runs in six matches at an average of just 20.36. He was part of Australia's team that thrashed England in the Ashes last summer and made 72 in Brisbane.

Speaking on 2GB radio on Tuesday afternoon, Aussie legend Mark Waugh declared Weatherald's Test career is "probably over". Waugh said: "I think some people thought that he might get another chance in Mackay (for the second Test), but I think losing the game and probably the way he batted (cost him his spot). Unfortunately for him, his Test career is probably over. I don't think he will come back from this.

"He didn't make the most of his opportunities, and when you do that, you open yourself up to losing your spot in the team. The selectors have bitten the bullet. There's a few other people under the gun as well, but at least they have put one bushfire out."

Weatherald made 23 and 0 as Bangladesh won the first Test by nine wickets - handing Australia one of its worst Test losses ever. Leading cricket writer Daniel Cherny labelled Weatherald the "fall guy" for the disastrous loss.

"He ultimately paid the price for form, but the senior teammates who couldn't get the job done against the world's No.9 Test nation should consider whether they hastened his exit," Cherny wrote. "Just one match into a contracting year in which Australia will play a minimum of 18 Tests, the 31-year-old has been discarded."

Cricket fans rally around Jake Weatherald

One fan wrote on social media: "Feel for Weatherald, but the change had to be made. Technique has been exposed at Test level."

Another popular pundit commented: "It looks like Jake Weatherald's Test career is good as over and we are very unlikely to see him step on the field wearing the baggy green cap again. Getting a baggy green cap, part of an Ashes winning team and getting to play a Test match in front of his home crowd he will have a story to tell to his kids and grandkids. Thank you very much Jake Weatherald and wishing you the best in life."

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