Strikers debutant Liam Haskett reacts to dad Lloyd Haskett’s ‘surreal’ Big Bash League crowd catch at Adelaide Oval

One of the last people to learn who caught the ball blasted into the Adelaide crowd by Nathan McSweeney on Saturday was the debutant who bowled it.

Debuting Adelaide Strikers star Liam Haskett says he was among the last to find out his father was the spectator who caught a six smashed from his bowling at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

Lloyd Haskett’s impressive crowd catch was already going viral by the time his son Liam found out about it during his first Saturday’s Big Bash League match on Saturday.

While the 24-year-old made his mark with two wickets in a match that saw a century to teammate Matthew Short and a record score for the Strikers, it was Haskett’s father, Lloyd who stole the spotlight.

Lloyd, a former WAFL player with over 100 games under his belt, showed his sporting pedigree when he nonchalantly snatched the six off Brisbane Heat’s Nathan McSweeney’s bat.

“I’d say if he dropped it, I would have been letting him know maybe once or twice,” Liam told The Advertiser.

Liam Haskett's father Lloyd Haskett catches Nathan McSweeney’s six off his son’s bowling. Picture: FoxSports

Lloyd Haskett looking unimpressed with his crowd catch efforts at Adelaide Oval on Saturday. Picture: FoxSports

“It was pretty crazy in the end with the catch and everything … Obviously not nice to get hit for six, (…) but a unique ending in a way.”

The father-son duo’s unexpected connection on the field added a special layer to an already thrilling game in front of 27,000 fans at Adelaide Oval.

“I had no idea until post-game,” Liam said.

“Alex Ross came across and said, ‘You know your old man caught one of the sixes you got hit off.’ At first, I was in disbelief.”

On the field, Liam’s debut showed promise despite early challenges.

“I tried to stay pretty calm and composed,” he said.

“I knew I just had to bowl my best ball, and it was good to get one in my first over.”

Liam Haskett bowling for the Adelaide Strikers against Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval, on January 11. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Liam Haskett with his father Lloyd on his school graduation day in Perth. Picture: Instagram

He finished with figures of 2/43, including his first-ever BBL wicket in his opening over. “Getting that wicket early was a nice feeling to get the monkey off the back.”

Liam’s family’s presence made the night even more meaningful.

“It was nice to have Mum and Dad there,” he said.

“The Strikers were great to get them across. I wanted to take a few wickets for them.”

“I think it was a good night for them, which was nice,” Liam added.

With two must-win games remaining, Liam is eager to build on his debut.

“We still think our season is alive,” he said. “Our best cricket can beat anyone (…) and we’re backing ourselves to get the job done.”

Originally published as Strikers debutant Liam Haskett reacts to dad Lloyd Haskett’s ‘surreal’ Big Bash League crowd catch at Adelaide Oval