WATCH: Marnus Labuschagne stuns with unorthodox field setting in Sheffield Shield opener

Marnus Labuschagne showcased his creativity as a captain in an unexpected way during the opening round of the Sheffield Shield while leading Queensland against Western Australia. The Australian cricket star surprised both the opposition and spectators with an unusual fielding position, demonstrating his inventive on-field approach.

While bowling, Labuschagne placed a fielder in an unconventional spot—directly behind the umpire but still inside the circle. This was neither a typical mid-on nor mid-off position but rather an entirely new concept, almost as though the fielder was camouflaging behind the stumps. Even the umpire was caught off guard by the unusual field setting, visibly surprised when he turned around to see a fielder stationed just behind him.

Here is the video:

'I don't think I've ever seen that!'

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

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 9, 2024

Marnus Labuschagne's innovation didn't stop there. He was actively involved in fine-tuning his strategy, walking over to the fielder during the over and directing them closer to the umpire, inching towards an even more surprising placement. His tactics seemed like a clever bluff to unsettle the batter, and his next delivery—a bouncer—proved to be part of the grand plan. 

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Despite the unconventional setup, the batter remained unfazed, skillfully ducking the ball and maintaining composure in the face of Labuschagne's mind games. This creative manoeuvre highlights Labuschagne's growing reputation as a tactician, not just a star batter. His unorthodox approach brings a refreshing flair to captaincy, making him a unique figure in Australian cricket.

As Australia prepares for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, Labuschagne’s unpredictability could prove to be a vital asset. With cricket legends like Brian Lara warning India of Australia's dominance at home, Labuschagne’s tactical ingenuity may play a crucial role in the much-anticipated series. The opening Test kicks off on November 22 in Perth, where fans will witness if Labuschagne’s creative thinking extends beyond the domestic circuit into the high-stakes international arena.