Perth, Nov. 17 -- Australian batter Jake Weatherald described meeting cricket stars Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Pat Cummins as a "pretty cool experience", saying it's surreal to be now "rubbing shoulders" with players he once admired.

Weatherald enjoyed his first training hit in Aussie colours ahead of the first Ashes Test against England, scheduled to begin on Friday at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Weatherald may partner with regular opener Usman Khawaja at the top of Australia's batting order for the first Test of the summer against England.

"Meeting people you admire so much has been a pretty cool experience. Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Patty Cummins - guys you've revered in your career for such a long time, now you're rubbing should...