In a memorable moment during the Sheffield Shield 2024-25 match between Western Australia (WA) and Queensland at the WACA in Perth, Queensland captain Marnus Labuschagne made headlines with an unconventional and bold fielding tactic that left fans and commentators astonished.
Labuschagne went beyond the usual strategies, positioning a fielder directly behind the umpire during his bowling spell.
The unusual setup occurred as Labuschagne prepared to bowl in the first innings. Just before his run-up, he motioned a fielder to stand behind the umpire just next to him – an unconventional position rarely, if ever, seen in professional cricket.
The umpire, visibly taken aback, paused to confirm that the placement was intentional. The move prompted one of the commentators to exclaim, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that!” as viewers around the world watched with intrigue.
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Labuschagne’s unorthodox field placement was part of a short but effective spell, where he bowled 6.2 overs and took 2 for 5, including the wicket of WA’s Brody Couch, who was holding firm with a defiant 31 off 58 balls. Labuschagne’s innovative tactic added a psychological twist, as he combined a barrage of bouncers with the unusual field setup to unsettle the batters.
While Western Australia eventually posted a formidable 465 runs, led by centuries from Josh Inglis (122) and captain Sam Whiteman (102), Labuschagne’s bold and creative approach became the standout highlight of the innings. His willingness to experiment on such a platform not only captivated the crowd but also sparked lively discussions among fans and cricket pundits alike.