Match Preview: Southern Vipers v Central Sparks, RHFT
Southern Vipers have named a 14 -player squad to take on Central Sparks at Wormsley in their first home match of 2024
Joe Weatherley is a right-hand batter and right-arm spin bowler.
He was born in Winchester, Hampshire and is a product of Hampshire’s hugely successful youth system.
The top-order batter has represented Hampshire from a young age, coming through ranks as part of the Club’s age-group and Academy sides.
Weatherley made the step-up to the Second XI in 2015, enjoying an impressive campaign with three centuries and three fifties.
First XI debuts in all formats arrived in 2016 as Weatherley made nine appearances for Hampshire's senior squad that summer: two first-class games, two List-A matches and five T20s.
Weatherley sealed a loan move to Division Two side Kent for the 2017 season to allow him time in the middle to continue his development, although he returned for the final three County Championship fixtures to help Hampshire retain their Division One status.
The right-hander impressed in a regular spot at the top of the order during the 2018 season, contributing 772 runs across all formats including his first centuries for the Club in both the County Championship and Royal London Cup – the latter of which they went on to win the title.
Having made a positive start as an opener again in 2019, including 341 runs in nine Championship innings, Weatherley suffered a fractured ankle which ended his season in July.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a truncated 2020 domestic season, he bounced back from injury in excellent style, totalling 263 runs at an average of 43.83 in the inaugural Bob Willis Trophy and also contributing 185 runs at an average of more than 20 in a shortened Vitality Blast campaign.
A full campaign with Hampshire in 2021 saw Weatherley vastly improve in white-ball cricket, winning the Club's White Ball Batter of the Year award. A breathtaking 71 against Somerset in the semi-final was a particular highlight – despite the Hawks falling short. He was also ever present at the top of the order in the County Championship.
Weatherley started the 2022 season with a bang – recording a career best 168 against Somerset in the County Championship. He scored almost 400 runs at an average of 30.46 from eight matches after picking up a hand injury.
He also continued his T20 form in the Vitality Blast, scoring 347 runs as Hampshire Hawks were crowned champions for the third time.
The following season saw limited opportunity in red-ball cricket, playing just five matches in the County Championship. However, he once again starred in the Vitality Blast with 379 runs at an average of 42.11, including three half-centuries, as the Hawks made it to a third consecutive Finals Day.
During the Metro Bank One Day Cup, in which Hampshire finished runners-up, Weatherley played in just three matches due to his involvement in The Hundred. He recorded a century against Surrey before playing in both the semi-final and final.
More:
Southern Vipers have named a 14 -player squad to take on Central Sparks at Wormsley in their first home match of 2024
Cast your vote for Hampshire's Player of the Match from their draw against Warwickshire in the Vitality County Championship at Utilita Bowl
Keep up with the action as Hampshire's 2nd XI take on Middlesex 2nd XI at Radlett in the Second XI Championship