Australian seamer Michael Neser pulled off an incredible relay catch during the Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and Western Australia at the WACA in Perth. The remarkable dismissal came in the 125th over when Marnus Labuschagne was bowling medium pace.
Labuschagne delivered a short-pitched ball, and Brody Couch got a top edge. Neser sprinted towards fine leg, caught the ball above his head, then threw it mid-air to avoid stepping over the boundary line. He leaped back into the field of play and secured the catch, all while ensuring his feet remained inside the boundary.
Labuschagne’s Impact with the Ball
The stunning catch also marked Marnus Labuschagne’s second wicket of the innings. Earlier, he had dismissed Cameron Gannon. Labuschagne ended the innings with impressive bowling figures of 6.2 overs, 3 maidens, 5 runs, and 2 wickets, adding value to his contributions beyond his batting prowess. Neser’s skillful catch provided a highlight moment in an otherwise tightly contested game at the WACA.
Neser’s Test Aspirations
In addition to his catching abilities, Michael Neser strengthened his case for selection in Australia’s upcoming Test series against India by taking a five-wicket haul against Western Australia. Following the first day of the Sheffield Shield match, Neser expressed his ambitions for the India series.
He stated, “I think every bowler in the country would say that they’ve got their eye on that (India series). There’s not much you can do apart from putting performances on the board. It’s handy that I just (got five wickets) first game. Hopefully, I can carry this momentum throughout the season.”
Neser, who debuted in the 2021 Ashes, has played two Tests for Australia, taking seven wickets at an impressive average of 16.71. With Australia facing five Tests against India in a condensed period, Neser could become a key player in the team’s bowling rotation. The Aussies last held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy during the 2014-15 series, and Neser’s form may play a crucial role in regaining it.
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