- Jake Weatherald believed to have given himself his own moniker
The origin of the bizarre nickname given to new Aussie opener Jake Weatherald has been revealed.
Weatherald, 31, has enjoyed a promising start to his Test career, with his 72 at the Gabba in Brisbane the highlight.
But despite becoming a key figure at the top of the order, Weatherald has been accused of giving himself the nickname ‘Chich’, which has Italian origins.
‘I think he came up with it,’ Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey told News Corp.
‘He got married in Italy, and I think he thought it meant brother in Italian, but it doesn’t, I don’t think. Very, very random.’
The nickname likely comes from the word ‘ciccio,’ which is a very loose term that has numerous meanings.
Jake Weatherald (pictured) has settled in well to life as an Australian Test cricketer
The 31-year-old got married to wife Rachel (pictured) on Italy’s Amalfi Coast last year
Wicket-keeper Alex Carey (pictured) claims Weatherald gave himself the ‘Chich’ nickname
Reports say the term of endearment started gaining traction during Weatherald’s Test debut.
Despite the opener’s bold fashion choices and sleeve tattoo, he has been welcomed into the Aussie camp.
‘He’s obviously fitted in really well,’ Carey said.
‘He’s unique. Certain clothes that he likes to wear. He’s just really confident around the group, which is great.
‘It feels like he’s been with us for a long time, which is not the case. It’s only been a few weeks. So yeah, boys are loving how he’s gone about it.’
Weatherald retained his spot in the XI for the third Test match in Adelaide.
In a pre-match bombshell, Steve Smith was ruled out due to injury and replaced by Usman Khawaja.
The lifeline for Khawaja was unexpected, after it was originally confirmed he wasn’t set to play at the Adelaide Oval.
The new opener (pictured) made a superb 72 in his second Test match at The Gabba
Weatherald (pictured with wife Rachel) has become a fan favourite in his short Test career
The opener (pictured) was dismissed early in the first innings of the third Test
Australia lead the series 2-0.
England has not won an Ashes Test in Australia since January 2011.
Pat Cummins has returned to captain the Aussie side after being injured for the first two matches of the series.
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon also will feature, and needs just two Test wickets to surpass Glenn McGrath’s career haul of 563 scalps.