Cricket

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the introduction of three day-night Sheffield Shield matches this season to provide domestic players with valuable experience in pink-ball conditions. This move aligns with the increasing prevalence of day-night Tests in the Australian summer.The matches will be strategically held at Adelaide Oval, the Gabba, and Bellerive Oval, which have been the preferred venues for pink-ball Tests in recent years. However, the timing of the matches means that none of Australia's current Test team will participate in any of them.The first day-night match will feature South Australia and Western Australia at Adelaide Oval on November 23, just two weeks before the pink-ball Test between Australia and India at the same venue. However, this match will not involve any current Australian Test players due to a clash with the first Test in Perth.Queensland and Victoria will face off at the Gabba on November 24, a match that could potentially feature Michael Neser and Scott Boland, who have both played pink-ball Test cricket and could be in contention for Australia's Test team this summer.The final day-night match will be played between Tasmania and New South Wales at Bellerive Oval in Hobart starting on March 15. While Australia's ODI players are unlikely to be available due to their return from the Champions Trophy, Nathan Lyon could potentially participate depending on his recovery from the Test series against India and Sri Lanka.CA's head of national teams, Ben Oliver, emphasized the importance of providing domestic players with opportunities to enhance their skills and prepare them for the challenges of international cricket. He stated that playing first-class matches at Test venues and exposing players to day-night conditions are crucial for their development.CA previously scheduled day-night Shield rounds consistently between 2013-14 and 2017-18. However, pink-ball games have since been reserved for Australia A, Prime Minister's XI, or CA XI matches against touring teams. The reintroduction of day-night Sheffield Shield matches is seen as a positive step in preparing the next generation of Australian cricketers for the demands of international cricket.

Nathan Lyon's Bushwhacking Adventure: A Lost Ball and a Hilarious SearchDuring a Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia, Australian star bowler Nathan Lyon found himself on an unexpected mission: searching for a lost ball in the bushes. The incident occurred when a batter hit the ball with such force that it soared over the fence and disappeared into the undergrowth.Lyon, known for his meticulous approach to bowling, embarked on a thorough search for the missing ball. However, his initial efforts proved futile as he retrieved the wrong ball. Undeterred, he continued his quest, assisted by his teammates.The video footage of Lyon's bushwhacking adventure has gone viral on social media, eliciting laughter and amusement from cricket fans worldwide. Cricket Australia shared the videos on Instagram, adding the caption: "Swipe across to see the 🐐 having more luck on the field than he did in the bushes 😂 #SheffieldShield."Lyon's search for the lost ball highlights the challenges that bowlers face during matches. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to locate the ball, which remained lost in the bushes. The incident serves as a reminder that even the most experienced cricketers can encounter unexpected obstacles on the field.Lyon's Preparations for the Border-Gavaskar TrophyThe lost ball incident comes as Lyon prepares to take the field in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. The first Test is scheduled to start in Perth on November 22.In recent years, India has gained the upper hand in the series, winning the last four encounters against Australia. Lyon is aware of the challenge that lies ahead and has been studying the Indian batting lineup, particularly wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant."You're bowling against someone like Rishabh Pant, who is electric. He's got all the skill in the world. As a bowler, your room for error is so small. So you've got to be good. It's a challenge as a bowler if I'm going to get hit for six. I'm not afraid about getting hit for six," Lyon said.Lyon's strategy against Pant will be to keep him in his crease and force him to defend more often. He believes that this approach will create opportunities for dismissals.

Western Australia's hopes of extending their Sheffield Shield dominance were boosted by a resilient batting display on day three against Queensland. Despite losing Cameron Bancroft for a duck, Mitchell Marsh and Hilton Cartwright steadied the ship with an unbroken 59-run partnership.After gaining a 98-run lead, WA stumbled to 47 for 3 in their second innings. Bancroft's untimely dismissal raised concerns, as he had been touted as a potential Test recall. However, Marsh and Cartwright's partnership has put WA back on track.Marsh, batting at No. 4, played cautiously but occasionally unleashed his trademark power hitting. He finished the day on 40 not out, while Cartwright contributed 19. Their partnership has given WA a solid foundation to build on.Queensland had earlier fought back with the ball, taking three quick wickets. Michael Neser dismissed Bancroft for the second time in the match, while Jack Wildermuth and Tom Straker accounted for Jayden Goodwin and Sam Whiteman respectively.However, WA's bowlers responded with a strong performance in the second session. Cameron Gannon led the charge with a five-wicket haul, including the crucial dismissal of Jack Clayton for 85. Ben McDermott also fell for 68, sparking a collapse that saw Queensland lose six wickets for 66 runs.The match, which had appeared destined for a draw, has now been thrown open. The surface has flattened, but the second new ball has brought life back into the contest. WA will be looking to press their advantage on day four, while Queensland will need to find a way to break the Marsh-Cartwright partnership.

Sam Konstas, the prodigious 19-year-old opener, has etched his name alongside Ricky Ponting in the annals of Sheffield Shield history by becoming the youngest player since the legendary Australian captain to score two centuries in the same match.Konstas's remarkable feat came in New South Wales' clash with South Australia at Cricket Central in Sydney. After compiling a brilliant 152 in the first innings, he continued his dominance in the second, amassing 105 runs from 225 deliveries.The hosts declared their innings at 282 for 6 late on day three, setting South Australia a daunting target of 389 runs for victory. However, Nathan Lyon struck early to dismiss Conor McInerney without scoring, leaving the visitors reeling at 7 for 1.Konstas's century was a testament to his exceptional talent and composure. He brought up his half-century with a blistering four that raced past extra cover, and despite South Australia's attempts to slow him down, he reached his century with a towering six over deep midwicket.His innings was not without its challenges. Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey dropped a sitter before Konstas got off the mark, but the teenager made the visitors pay dearly for the error. He also faced a wider line from South Australia's bowlers after tea, but he adjusted his game and continued to accumulate runs.Lyon, meanwhile, continued his impressive form ahead of the Test summer. He finished his first Shield innings with a five-wicket haul, ripping through the South Australian tail to ensure they were dismissed for 260.Konstas's performance has raised expectations for his future in the game. He is now the third youngest player in Shield history to score two centuries in the same match, behind only Ponting and Archie Jackson."Obviously very special," Konstas said of his achievement. "But hopefully we get the job done tomorrow and keep doing our basics well."

Queensland's pursuit of Western Australia's imposing first-innings total of 465 began with a setback as Test aspirant Matt Renshaw fell cheaply for 6. However, captain Marnus Labuschagne steadied the ship with a composed half-century, guiding Queensland to 185 for 3 at the end of day two.Labuschagne, watched by his father in the stands, displayed his class with a fluent 77 off 96 deliveries. He combined well with Usman Khawaja, who also capitalized on some wayward bowling from Corey Rocchiccioli. However, Gannon, playing against his former team, proved to be a thorn in Queensland's side, dismissing Khawaja for 31.Jack Clayton, batting at No. 4, remained unbeaten on 52, providing stability to Queensland's innings. The pitch at the WACA flattened considerably under sunny conditions, offering little assistance to the bowlers.Western Australia's recovery on day two was spearheaded by allrounder Cooper Connolly and Gannon, who batted for almost the entire first session. Connolly reached his half-century off 64 balls, while Gannon matched him with a valuable contribution.Connolly's bid for a maiden century was cut short when he holed out to Renshaw in the first over after the interval. Fringe Test quick Michael Neser, who had impressed on day one, bowled only three overs on day two, finishing with 5 for 68 from 25 overs.Queensland still face an uphill task to close in on Western Australia's massive total. However, with Labuschagne and Clayton at the crease, they will be confident of making further inroads on day three.

Alex Carey's blistering 90 has given South Australia a glimmer of hope in their Sheffield Shield clash against New South Wales, but Nathan Lyon's late burst has put the Blues firmly in control.Carey, who has been in impressive form for Australia in white-ball cricket, carried his momentum into the red-ball arena, smashing 90 from just 85 balls. His innings was a counter-attacking masterclass, peppered with four sixes and numerous boundaries.After arriving at the crease with South Australia in trouble at 87 for 3, Carey took the game by the scruff of the neck. He targeted Tanveer Sangha, who had earlier dismissed Travis Head, and hit him for a series of boundaries.Carey's knock came after Head had also hit two sixes in his 30, but the left-hander was dismissed by Sangha when he was drawn into an edge outside off stump.Undeterred, Carey continued to attack, hitting back-to-back boundaries off Jack Nisbet and slog-sweeping Lyon for another six. He also reverse-swept and drove Sangha to the boundary, showing his full range of strokes.However, Carey's aggression ultimately proved his undoing, as he was caught in the deep trying to take on Lyon. His dismissal triggered a collapse of 4 for 5, with Lyon taking three wickets in 14 balls to finish with 3 for 45.Lyon's wickets included Daniel Drew, who was caught-and-bowled for a duck, and Ben Manenti, who was bowled by a ball that spun out of the rough. Captain Nathan McSweeney was also run out on 55, adding to South Australia's woes."I've been itching to get back playing. It's what I love doing," Lyon said. "I feel like I've been training the house down and in a really good headspace."South Australia will need to bat with more resilience on day three if they are to avoid a heavy defeat. The Blues, on the other hand, will be confident of wrapping up the match quickly and securing their first win of the season.

Marnus Labuschagne's Unconventional Fielding Tactic Stuns in Sheffield ShieldIn a captivating moment during the Sheffield Shield 2024-25 match between Western Australia (WA) and Queensland at the WACA in Perth, Queensland captain Marnus Labuschagne unveiled an unconventional and audacious fielding tactic that left fans and commentators astounded.Labuschagne, known for his innovative approach to the game, defied conventional strategies by 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. 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. Labuschagne's unconventional fielding tactic has been hailed as a testament to his innovative mindset and willingness to push the boundaries of the game. It remains to be seen whether other teams will adopt similar tactics in the future, but for now, Labuschagne's bold move has left an indelible mark on the Sheffield Shield.

Tasmania's valiant fightback, led by captain Jordan Silk's unbeaten half-century, has kept them in contention against Victoria in their Sheffield Shield clash at the Junction Oval.After Victoria declared their first innings at 428 for 9, thanks to centuries from Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb, Mitchell Perry's all-round performance put the hosts in a commanding position. Perry's unbeaten 58 and two wickets helped Victoria extend their lead to 227 runs.Tasmania's openers, Caleb Jewell and Jake Weatherald, started cautiously, but Perry's brilliance broke through, dismissing Jewell for 32. Charlie Wakim also fell cheaply, leaving Tasmania vulnerable at 80 for 3.However, Silk and Jake Doran steadied the ship with a 63-run partnership. Doran eventually departed for 33, but Silk remained resolute, guiding Tasmania past 200 alongside Beau Webster.Victoria's bowlers, led by Perry, tried various tactics to create chances, but Silk and Webster remained unyielding. The visitors reached stumps at 201 for 4, with Silk unbeaten on 50* and Webster on 28*.The new ball will be crucial on day three, as both sides aim to gain an advantage. Tasmania will need to continue their fightback and reduce the deficit, while Victoria will look to press home their advantage and secure a substantial lead.

Western Australia's batting heroes, Sam Whiteman and Josh Inglis, defied a hostile Queensland attack to rescue their team from a disastrous start on day one of the Sheffield Shield clash at the WACA.After Test hopeful Cameron Bancroft fell off the first ball, Michael Neser wreaked havoc, claiming two more wickets to leave WA reeling at 18 for 3. However, Whiteman and Inglis combined for a mammoth 203-run partnership, turning the tide in WA's favor.Inglis, known for his aggressive style, smashed 122 off 117 balls, while Whiteman played a more measured innings, batting for almost the entire day to score 102. Neser, who has been on the fringes of Test selection, inspired a late rally with the second new ball, dismissing Whiteman and Matthew Kelly to finish with 5 for 48.Queensland skipper Marnus Labuschagne's decision to bowl first paid off initially, but Whiteman and Inglis's heroics proved too much for the visitors. Hilton Cartwright and Cooper Connolly also contributed valuable runs, while first-class debutant Tom Straker impressed with his lively spell.Both teams entered the season with injury concerns, but WA's depth was tested with several key players sidelined. Queensland, too, were without quick Xavier Bartlett.As the match enters day two, WA will look to build on their strong position, while Queensland will need to find a way to break through their resilient batting lineup.