Sheffield Shield 2021-22: Jake Weatherald kicks away helmet, gets confronted by Queensland captain Usman Khawaja, umpires

In what is being termed as a poor display of sportsmanship, Jake Weatherald kicked away a helmet kept near the stumps during the recently-concluded Sheffield Shield 2021-22 match between South Australia and Queensland. Weatherald was engaged in a mid-pitch chat with his South Australia opening partner Henry Hunt following the conclusion of the eighth over.

With the duo chatting near the bowling crease, Queensland fielder Matt Renshaw kept a fielding helmet on the crease directly in front of the stumps. While it’s unclear why Renshaw kept the helmet there, Weatherald wasn’t amused as he kicked away the helmet in anger after returning to the batting crease. Queensland captain Usman Khawaja wasn’t amused with Weatherald’s act as he confronted the opener.

Bizarre things on a cricket field:
Matt Renshaw (QLD) carried the helmet from one end to other and kept it right on the batting crease on batters guard.

Jake Weatherald (SA) with a penalty kick to that helmet. @beastieboy07 @cric_blog #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/fXNarJZUE8

— Nash (@NashvSant) November 25, 2021

Usman Khawaja unimpressed with Jake Weatherald’s act

The umpires also joined in the conversation, probably warning Weatherald for his gesture. Meanwhile, the on-air commentator highlighted that the Queensland slip fielders had been playing around with the helmet. Now, it remains to be seen whether the batter faces any repercussions for his actions or not.

Speaking of how the game panned out, Queensland posted 299 while batting first in Adelaide. While Australian Test sensation Marnus Labuschagne slammed a brilliant 110, opener Bryce Street contributed with 87 runs. With Queensland not crossing the 300-run mark, South Australian would have been pretty pleased with their efforts.

However, the side was let down by their batters. Matthew Kuhnemann’s five-wicket haul meant South Australia got bundled out for 102 runs while batting first, conceding a 197-run lead. However, the Travis Head-led side put up a better effort after being asked to follow on. Skipper Head slammed a remarkable ton as South Australia slammed 284 in their second innings, setting a paltry target of 88 against Queensland.

Queensland got off to a terrible start with openers Bryce Street and Joe Burns falling with just 16 runs on the board. However, Labuschagne joined forces with skipper Usman Khawaja and the duo steadied the ship with a unbeaten 72-run stand. Khawaja was the chief contributor in the partnership, scoring a quick-fire 52 off 62 balls. Labuschagne remained unbeaten at 28. Riding on their brilliance, Queensland recorded a eight-wicket win.