The Hobart Hurricanes have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their high-stakes BBL Knockout final against the Melbourne Stars. Test opener Jake Weatherald has officially withdrawn from the squad, opting to step away from the Big Bash spotlight to focus on his red-ball form.
Despite Australia’s next Test assignment not scheduled until August, Weatherald’s decision underscores a commitment to the longer format. After a grueling Ashes summer, the left-hander—who moved to Hobart from the Adelaide Strikers this off-season—is looking to cement his status as the premier opening batsman in the country through the Sheffield Shield.
Hurricanes and Stars Face Off in Do-or-Die Clash at Ninja Stadium
Both the Hurricanes and the Stars find themselves in this “three-against-four” eliminator after failing to capitalize on opportunities to secure the top spot during the final round of the regular season. The defending champion Hurricanes suffered a shocking batting collapse against the Brisbane Heat, while the Stars missed their chance following a loss to the Perth Scorchers on Saturday.
Hurricanes coach Jeff Vaughan expressed full support for Weatherald’s decision, noting the mental and physical toll of a full international summer. “Jake doesn’t feel ready to play this format of the game right now,” Vaughan explained. “He’s had a huge Ashes year, and playing a full summer of Test cricket is arduous. We want to support him in being best prepared for Shield cricket.”
While Weatherald steps aside, other international stars like Beau Webster have made themselves available for the finals series now that the Ashes have concluded. The Hurricanes are also currently weighing up options to replace English import Rehan Ahmed, who has departed for international duties in Sri Lanka.
Stoinis Backs Maxwell as Stars Seek Maiden BBL Title
On the other side of the pitch, the Melbourne Stars remain the only foundation club yet to hoist the BBL trophy. Captain Marcus Stoinis remains optimistic, despite their recent stumble against the Scorchers. While acknowledging the disappointment of missing out on the double-chance top spot, Stoinis believes the team is ready to take the long road to the final.
A major talking point for the Stars is the form of veteran Glenn Maxwell. The 37-year-old has struggled significantly this season, amassing just 67 runs at a lean average of 13.40 across 10 matches. However, Stoinis isn’t concerned about the “Big Show” heading into the do-or-die fixture. “He’s one person that comes out on top nearly every time,” Stoinis said. “Hopefully, he’s saving them for a big finals campaign.”
Adding a layer of tension to Wednesday night is the weather forecast. Showers are predicted for Hobart, which could play a massive role in the outcome. Under BBL tournament rules, if the match results in a “no-result” due to rain, the Hobart Hurricanes will automatically progress to the next stage as the higher-ranked seed from the regular season.
