Queensland Bulls’ strategy to bowl first and take advantage of the WACA pitch was highly effective, with Michael Neser leading the charge.
He dismissed Cameron Bancroft and Jayden Goodwin for golden ducks with the new ball, while Mitchell Marsh provided a strong start.
However, Hilton Cartwright’s 59-run partnership with Sam Whiteman laid the groundwork for a significant recovery, culminating in Josh Inglis scoring a century alongside the team captain.
With Whiteman and Inglis stabilizing the innings, Queensland captain Marnus Labuschagne resorted to some unconventional fielding tactics.
Typically a part-time wrist spinner, Marnus adapted to the WACA conditions by acting as a seam bowler, planning to bowl bouncers at the Western Australia pair.
After five dot balls against a well-set Inglis in the 66th over, he called debutant Tom Straker to the crease area. The 19-year-old was positioned directly in line with the batter and the umpire, which contravenes MCC regulations.
'I don't think I've ever seen that!'
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 9, 2024
Marnus Labuschagne as #SheffieldShield captain is an experience 😂
Watch his full (and very entertaining) three-over spell from day one at the WACA: https://t.co/5oPc5eu6Jn pic.twitter.com/OCE2vNcxKR
Marnus was seen adjusting Straker’s position, surprising everyone by moving him slightly wide of the straight line towards mid-off. While this unusual tactic did not yield immediate results, Marnus later claimed the wicket of Cameron Gannon, with Western Australia at 464/9 in 124.1 overs as this was reported.