Why Canes recruit is predicting ‘multiple titles’ for reigning champs

He’s no stranger to Tasmania, and the Hurricanes’ newest recruit believes they’re capable of winning “multiple titles” after breaking their duck last summer.

Jake Weatherald has signed with the Hurricanes after a long tenure at Adelaide Strikers. (Photo by Daniel Carson/Getty Images)

He thwarted their hopes of a maiden title seven years ago, but Hurricanes recruit Jake Weatherald believes they can form a “dynasty” and win “multiple titles” after breaking their duck last season.

Weatherald smashed 115 in the 2018 final to guide long-term suitor Adelaide Strikers to victory over the Hurricanes.

After a superb season with Tasmania, where he won the Ricky Ponting Medal as player of the year and was the Sheffield Shield’s leading run scorer, the 30-year-old was keen to play all three formats out of Tasmania.

“Basically they’re a team I see who could be dynasty-type material, they’ve got some of the best players in the competition,” Weatherald said after signing a two year deal.

“To be part of a group who could win multiple titles, I want to be a part of that. Whatever role I can play in that will be cool, it’s going to be a very hard team to crack.

“It is a big deal leaving the Strikers. I’m not going to lie, I loved playing for them and it is sad to leave somewhere, but when opportunities arise you have to take them.”

The likes of Mitch Owen have resisted big deals elsewhere to re-sign with the Hurricanes, and Weatherald said that speaks volumes about the group.

“I look at them being able to retain players, it shows the group is close especially with players being in such high demand from other clubs,” he said.

“People wanting to stay shows they think this club can win multiple titles, not just two titles or three or four, and can do what the Perth Scorchers have done.”

After playing just five times last summer for the Strikers, Weatherald is aware of the challenge ahead to break into a star-studded batting line-up which has also added Test all-rounder Beau Webster.

He said the possibility of opening with Owen, who capped a stellar breakout season by joining Weatherald as the only players to score a century in a BBL final, is mouth watering.

“Striking the ball the way he does takes a lot of pressure off you and the power through the middle order is amazing,” he said.

“He’s an imposing figure and I know he strikes so much fear into bowlers at the moment. “He’s someone I’m in awe of watching his ball striking. I’m very aggressive as well, but I probably score in different areas to him.

“Opening with Mitch, it does allow if you’re dotting up a bit to soak up some pressure and think you’ll be OK.”

After scoring over 900 runs for the Tigers in Shield cricket, the left-hander said breaking into Test cricket as the Australia team enters a period of change remains the top goal.

“Coming off a good red ball season my focus is obviously heavily on trying to play Test cricket, and being the best player I can be in red ball cricket,” he said.

“That’s probably my absolute focus with the opportunities arising at the moment. I won’t lie about that, but the chance to play in a T20 tournament and do well is really cool too.”