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Posted: Thu, 16 Nov 2017 04:54:04 GMT

HE emulated the twin-ton mastery of Darren Lehmann and Don Bradman, but South Australian opener Jake Weatherald’s playing the long-game for a baggy green.

Weatherald, 23, put Western Australia to the sword and national selectors on notice with match-winning tons that triggered a miraculous five-wicket win in Perth yesterday.

WA skipper Mitch Marsh conceded Weatherald “stole the game” with knocks of 152 (160 balls) and 143 after the host led by 151 runs on the first innings.

“It was pretty tough but we were inspired, hadn’t won a game this year,” Weatherald told The Advertiser.

The Redbacks (5/325) - powered by a 180-run stand between Weatherald and Callum Ferguson (88) - completed their highest successful run chase at the WACA. It was just the eighth time a Shield side lost after posting 500 or more in the first innings.

“Callum was a calm head out there. We ran on adrenalin,” Weatherald said.

Selectors today announce their first Test squad to face England. Cam Bancroft’s expected to replace opener Matt Renshaw following an undefeated 228 in WA’s 7(dec)/514 first innings against SA while Tim Paine usurps fellow Tasmanian Matt Wade.

However, left-hander Weatherald, 23, is the most captivating slayer opener to emerge since Test star David Warner with four tons across all formats this season. Weatherald displayed the trademark counter-punch in Perth that is Warner’s trademark.

Australian coach Lehmann was the last South Australian (101 not out and 113) to smash tons in both innings of a Shield clash - against Tasmania in 1999-2000 at Bellerive. Bradman cracked 107 and 113 against Queensland in at the Gabba in 1937-38.

“It is a good achievement as it has been good players who have been able to that. If I can keep doing this I will progress and help win games for the state,” said Weatherald, who boosted his first-class average from 33 to 40 in one match.

If Australian selectors pick on form then Bancroft (442 runs at 110) Weatherald (419 at 70) and Callum Ferguson (343 at 68) lead the charge for Test selection this season.

“I don’t think I am q chance of playing in the Ashes this summer, the team is now set, but it would be a dream come true. If you keep making runs you never know what will happen,” said Weatherald who impressed with 66 and 96 in the 2015-16 Shield final against Victoria, his second match.

“It’s the confidence that you can produce which holds you in good stead at a higher level.”

SA’s attack was unstoppable on Wednesday, skittling WA for 173. Chadd Sayers (3/45), Joe Mennie (3/28) and Kane Richardson (2/44) cannoned the visitors back into the game. Weatherald finished the job with 19 boundaries and a six in 281 balls for a third Shield ton.

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