In a memorable second through the Sheffield Defend 2024-25 match between Western Australia (WA) and Queensland on the WACA in Perth, Queensland captain Marnus Labuschagne made headlines with an unconventional and daring fielding tactic that left followers and commentators astonished.
Labuschagne went past the same old methods, positioning a fielder instantly behind the umpire throughout his bowling spell.
The weird setup occurred as Labuschagne ready to bowl within the first innings. Simply earlier than his run-up, he motioned a fielder to face behind the umpire simply subsequent to him – an unconventional place hardly ever, if ever, seen in skilled cricket.
The umpire, visibly shocked, paused to substantiate that the position was intentional. The transfer prompted one of many commentators to exclaim, “I do not suppose I’ve ever seen that!” as viewers world wide watched with intrigue.
WATCH:
Labuschagne’s unorthodox area placement was a part of a brief however efficient spell, the place he bowled 6.2 overs and took 2 for five, together with the wicket of WA’s Brody Sofa, who was holding agency with a defiant 31 off 58 balls. Labuschagne’s revolutionary tactic added a psychological twist, as he mixed a barrage of bouncers with the bizarre area setup to unsettle the batters.
Whereas Western Australia ultimately posted a formidable 465 runs, led by centuries from Josh Inglis (122) and captain Sam Whiteman (102), Labuschagne’s daring and inventive strategy turned the standout spotlight of the innings. His willingness to experiment on such a platform not solely captivated the gang but additionally sparked full of life discussions amongst followers and cricket pundits alike.