‘It is amazing to be part of it’: Adelaide Striker Jake Weatherald on the incredible catch that will enter him into Big Bash League and cricket folklore
HIS classic combo catch with Ben Laughlin will stand the test of time but Adelaide Strikers’ Jake Weatherald concedes it will only become more embellished over a few beers.
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HIS classic combo catch with Ben Laughlin will stand the test of time but Adelaide Strikers’ Jake Weatherald concedes it will become embellished over a few beers and banter.
Laughlin’s made a miraculous take inside the boundary rope from Melbourne Renegades superstar Dwayne Bravo before reverse flinging the ball 20 metres to Weatherald to complete the dismissal. The freak catch off Rashid Khan’s bowling at Etihad Stadium set social media abuzz across the globe.
“Benny did all the hard yards taking the catch, took a few more steps and threw it in to the boundary line and threw it to me and luckily it was such an accurate throw I was able to take it,” said Weatherald of the dismissal that sunk Melbourne Renegades and booked a home semi-final for the Strikers next week.
“Knowing Benny he is pretty calculated so I am going benefit of the doubt that he knew I was there. It was a pretty amazing throw. Benny did most of it I was just there to pick up the scraps.
“It is amazing to be part of it. It might get better, add on some metres in 20 years over some beers.”
The greatest T20 catch EVER!!! https://t.co/0NLLIHvVQs
— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) 22 January 2018
The Greatest ever Catch !!!!!! Not bad for a builder @Benlaughlin55 !!!! https://t.co/BbinCZJyNF
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) 22 January 2018
Bravo was the scalp Adelaide wanted in the 16th over defending 5/173 that came courtesy of half centuries from Colin Ingram (68, 36) and Travis Head (58, 47).
Weatherald noted West Indian Bravo did well to launch brilliant Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan over cover.
“It was quite an amazing shot over cover off Rash and amazing to get the win,” Weatherald said.
“Thankfully we got that wicket. It had a bit of a flow on effect and we took wickets at crucial times and it was awesome to get the win.
“There are points in a game with bat, ball or fielding. Col did it with the bat. Thankfully we did something spectacular in the field and were able to change the game to our favour and get the points.
“You practise running in pairs, staying in pairs and doing something spectacular in the field.”
Adelaide holds top spot on run rate from champion Perth ahead of Thursday’s clash for the minor premiership at the WACA.
Jason Gillespie’s unit will host a home final Thursday or Friday week.
The home ground advantage will be pivotal for a Strikers team that will lose keeper batsman Alex Carey, spearhead Billy Stanlake and Head to Australian T20 duty for the BBL finals. Mystery tweaker Rashid won’t be available for Sunday week’s grand final due to international commitments.
“It is really important, we haven’t lost all year, our fans are amazing, get behind us, are the best in the competition. It suits us so well there, the dimensions of the ground suit our bowlers and just seem to play so well there,” said Weatherald.
“It is quite disappointing losing very good players but domestic cricket is all about higher honours and that is what they have done and it gives them an opportunity. We have guys who can come in and do a job.”
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