Warwickshire confirm signing of Australia opener for 2027 season

Warwickshire have signed Australia opener Jake Weatherald for the 2027 County Championship season.

The 31-year-old will join the Bears for the opening rounds of the campaign, with the aim of being part of Australia’s squad for the Ashes series later in the summer.

Weatherald, who has scored more than 6,000 first-class runs, impressed when playing for Leicestershire earlier this year, averaging more than 60 with the bat.

His international future, admittedly, appears far from secure. Since making his debut in last winter’s Ashes series, he has averaged just 20 in six Tests and was this week dropped following Australia’s shock defeat to Bangladesh.

Warwickshire performance director, James Thomas, said: "Jake is a player we've admired for a long time. He is a proven performer who has scored heavily at the highest level and gives us additional strength at the top of the order.

"He scored runs for Leicestershire summer and will be eager to come back to England and impress ahead of The Ashes next year.

“We think he will be a fantastic fit for our dressing room and an exciting player for our members and supporters to watch."

Jake Weatherald said: "I'm thrilled to be joining Warwickshire for the 2027 season.

“Edgbaston is one of the great grounds in world cricket and the opportunity to represent such a prestigious county was something I couldn't pass up.

"I enjoyed playing in England this year so to have the opportunity to join the Bears ahead of The Ashes is really exciting.

“Warwickshire has a proud history and a talented squad, and I'm looking forward to contributing both on and off the field.

"I’m delighted to get this deal done ahead of a busy winter and I am looking forward to meeting the members and supporters, and hopefully help the Club achieve plenty of success throughout the season."