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Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne is an entertaining character on the field whether it is him being overexcited for an appeal or copying his teammate Steve Smith’s antics while batting. On Day 1 of the Sheffield Shield clash between Western Australia and Queensland, he came up with a strange fielding setting as he attempted to break the partnership between Sam Whiteman and Josh Inglis.
The on-field umpire was left surprised as he placed Tom Straker just behind him at the start of his run-up. Contrary to bowling leg spin, he bowled medium pace at WACA Ground, Perth on October 8. The commentators were laughing as he pulled Straker by his pants to place him exactly where he wanted. While this happened, wicketkeeper-batter Inglis was patiently waiting on the striker’s end. One of the commentators said, "I don't think I've ever seen that!"
Labuschagne bowled two maiden overs in his three over spell on Day 1. He conceded a run and bowled a no ball in his third over before taking himself off the attack.
Whiteman, Inglis score centuries
Western Australia skipper Whiteman and Inglis dominated the proceedings and shared a 203-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Michael Neser ended their stand with Whiteman's wicket. The opener scored 102 runs from 237 balls. Inglis fell too just before the new ball was due. He lost his wicket to Matthew Renshaw. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 122 runs from 117 balls including 17 fours and a couple of sixes.
Labuschagne strikes twice on Day 2
Wicketless on Day 1 during his brief, yet entertaining spell, Labuschagne returned to break the eighth-wicket partnership between young Cooper Connolly and Cameron Gannon. He forced an edge off Gannon's bat which was taken by wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson. Gannon contributed with a 91-ball 53 in the 121-run partnership. Later, he got the wicket of Brody Couch who looked to score quickly. Crouch scored 31 runs from 58 balls as Western Australia posted 465 on the board.
Queensland skipper bowled 6.2 overs conceding five runs and claiming a couple of wickets. He bowled a maiden on Day 2 as well.
It will be interesting to see if Pat Cummins uses Labuschagne's leg-spin or medium pace in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He has 13 wickets in Test cricket but yet to take a win against India in the format.
