[Watch] Marnus Labuschagne sets a fielder right behind the umpire while bowling medium pace in Sheffield ShieldÂ
Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has kickstarted his preparation for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a red-ball stint for Queensland. He is leading the domestic side in the Sheffield Shield, which began on Tuesday, October 8.
Playing against Western Australia in Perth in their opening clash, Queensland opted to bowl first. While Michael Neser struck off the first ball of the innings to dismiss Cameron Bancroft, the hosts went on to amass 319 on the first day of the contest.
Labuschagne brought himself into the attack during the 64th over after Sam Whiteman and Josh Inglis were building a formidable partnership. Midway through his spell bowling medium pace, he motioned for one of his teammates to stand next to him at the top of his bowling mark. The skipper set the fielder right behind the umpire, and pulled the fielder a bit to the left, before unleashing a bouncer to Inglis.
Have a look at the incident right here:
Labuschagne is well known for his quirky mannerisms and tactics on the field. He was recently involved in a heated debate with the on-field umpires during a grade cricket match in Queensland after a caught dismissal went against his favor.
Labuschagne's figures read 3-2-2-0 at the end of Day 1
The skipper bowled a short spell of three overs comprising entirely pace instead of his handy leg spin and began with two maidens on the trot. Several of his deliveries were bouncers, which the batters were happy to let go.
Labuschagne's bowling ability, his leg-spin to be precise, has been utilized by teams more often now, whether in international or franchise cricket. He came into the picture when Australia went spin-heavy in their recently concluded ODI series against England, and also bowled extensively for Glamorgan during his stint in England. He even bagged a five-wicket haul for the latter during the 2024 T20 Blast.
His pace bowling and the element of surprise failed to yield a wicket for Queensland, but spearhead Michael Neser stood out with his five-wicket haul.