Watch, Sheffield Shield | Cooper Connolly defies gravity to pull off blinder in stunning resemblance to John Dyson

Yesterday at 4:52 PM

Cricketing moments can never be recreated, but Cooper Connolly came shockingly close as he reprised a stunning John Dyson catch in the Sheffield Shield in Perth. The Western Australia all-rounder ran backwards and went airborne to take a stunning catch to dismiss Queensland pacer Michael Neser.

‌Western Australia had a late collapse towards the end of day two in their Sheffield Shield game against Queensland in Perth. Chasing their first innings total of 390, the home side were looking comfortable at 179/2 before sliding to 210/5 when stumps were called. Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was unbeaten on 49 with Corey Rocchiccioli for company, with the side still needing 180 runs to get the lead.

Earlier, Queensland were well-served by opener Matt Renshaw’s century to get closer to the 400-run mark with medium pacer Cameron Gannon picking up 4/88 for the hosts. The visitors were also placed at a similar-looking 207/5 when Michael Neser joined Lachlan Hearne to frustrate WA before Cooper Connolly’s stunning effort on the field finally broke the 77-run stand.

With Gannon bowling a short and wide delivery outside off stump, Neser immediately rocked back and responded with a full-blooded cut shot. Connolly, who was standing a good 15 yards inside the boundary line, reacted quickly as he ran backwards before taking flight to go fully airborne.

And he pouched a stunner while he was still in the air before landing safely just in front of the rope. Neser (38) could not believe his luck as the superlative effort ended his 56-ball stay at the crease.

The Australian all-rounder’s catch was a carbon copy of John Dyson’s diving effort against the West Indies in 1982. The former Australian opener pulled off an excellent catch while fielding at the midwicket fence, and social media was quick to discuss the stunning similarity in both efforts.

Stunningly Similar!