Adrenaline, athleticism, and years of rigorous training can produce extraordinary moments on the cricket field, worthy of being immortalized in highlight reels. On Sunday, Will Sutherland executed an around-the-world catch, an improbable feat, against Perth Scorchers.
Perth Scorchers amassed a huge total of 212/5 in their home game against Melbourne Renegades, securing their third consecutive victory. Though the league leaders have been garnering attention for their dominant play, the spotlight shifted for a brief moment in the 17th over of their first innings. Scorchers had already amassed 160/5 when Nick Hobson faced off against Tom Rogers on the second ball of the over.
Nick Hobson, who had been struggling, tried to accelerate and moved out of the crease before the ball was bowled. Rogers, however, read the move and bowled a full delivery down the leg side. Hobson tried to clear mid-off by lofting the ball, but failed to make contact, skyrocketing it into the Perth sky. The ball seemed to be headed past fielder Will Sutherland, but he pulled off an extraordinary catch.
As Will Sutherland ran half-backwards, looking into the sun, he was left in an awkward position as the ball descended on him. However, he was able to turn it into a moment of brilliance by raising his hand high, waiting for the ball to stick.
As soon as it did, he jumped, twisted in the air and completed a full turn, grasping the ball firmly, despite the hard landing. Though the catch did not prevent the Scorchers from winning, it provided a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing day for Melbourne.