Marnus Labuschagne in Sheffield Shield match [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]
In a moment blending comedy and deja vu, Queensland Bulls' skipper Marnus Labuschagne stole the spotlight, for all the wrong reasons during the ongoing Sheffield Shield match against South Australia at Karen Rolton Oval.
The incident unfolded in the 67th over of South Australia’s first innings when Labuschagne, bowling his part-time leg-spin, appealed with theatrical gusto for a caught-behind dismissal against centurion Conor McInerney.
Marnus Labuschagne's Pumped Up Appeal Backfires
After his spell, Marnus Labuschagne, convinced he had trapped McInerney edging to wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson, erupted into a premature celebration, complete with exaggerated arm waves and a triumphant sprint toward his teammates. However, the umpire remained unmoved, rejecting the appeal with no conclusive edge.
The “celebrappeal” quickly turned awkward which calls back to a similar incident he pulled off back in 2021 against Tasmania where commentators and critics even pointed out that in the laws of cricket, “appealing excessively” is considered a “Level 1” offence.
South Australia Dominate Day 1 Against Queensland
Nevertheless, at the time of writing, South Australia are firmly in control at 276/3 after opting to bat first. McInerney anchored the innings with a patient 142, sharing an 85-run stand with skipper Nathan McSweeney and a decent partnership with Jason Sangha.
Labuschagne, who has been amidst quite a few controversial moments other than this match, is continuing the day with figures of 1/14 from four overs, his lone wicket overshadowed by his viral antics. Queensland’s bowling attack toiled on a flat deck, with leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson struggling for impact.
Pacers Michael Neser (0/36) and Jack Wildermuth (1/36) provided sporadic breakthroughs, but McInerney’s gritty knock and Sangha’s fluent unbeaten fifty ensured South Australia dominated proceedings.