Sheffield Shield 2022-23: Jackson Bird left fuming after Jake Weatherald's sneaky run

Tasmania piled on the misery on South Australia on the first day of the Marsh Sheffield Shield match, thanks to pristine bowling efforts from veterans Jackson Bird and Peter Siddle. The experienced duo shared eight wickets between them, grabbing a four-for each. But the former was bemused after Jake Weatherald's cheeky single during South Australia's second innings.

South Australia were under the pump after being bowled out for 227 in their first innings, with Siddle and Bird in menacing form. But Tasmania could not capitalize on the efforts of their bowlers and were bowled out for 245 in reply as Wes Agar grabbed a four-wicket haul for the Redbacks. 

Following a mediocre batting display in the first innings, South Australia found themselves in deep waters yet again in their second innings, losing six for 89. That is when controversy ensued as Jake Weatherald pushed a ball towards the bowler Jackson Bird who threw the ball straight at the batter to attempt a run-out, only for Weatherald to sneak a single after the ball had deflected off his bat. 

Bird was unimpressed by the batter's actions as he had apologized straight away after throwing the ball in the direction of the batter. The commentators on air were also divided, questioning the legality of the run stolen by the batter. Weatherald went on to register a much-needed half-century for his side after that incident.

'It was a funny sort of a wicket', Jackson Bird after his bowling spell in the first innings

Jackson Bird, who represented Australia in nine Tests after debuting in 2012, was happy with his performance after scalping four wickets in the first session of play on the first day of the match. He credited the sideways movement on offer during the morning session for his terrific opening bowling spell.

"I thought I bowled reasonably well last week against Queensland without getting the rewards, so it was nice to get a few this morning. It was a funny sort of a wicket – a little bit slow and there was a little bit of sideways movement in the morning session, and once the ball got a bit soft it was nicer to bat on," Bird told cricket.com.au.