'Never seen that': Cricket world baffled by extraordinary anomaly

The Sheffield Shield was rocked by extraordinary scenes on Thursday when Tasmania batter Jordan Silk received a reprieve from umpires over what should have been a bizarre dismissal.

Silk was batting in Tasmania's first innings against Queensland at the Riverway Stadium in Townsville when he survived a huge shout from the Bulls.

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Silk defended an innocuous delivery from spinner Matt Kuhnemann to Matthew Renshaw at silly point, who then proceeded to knock the ball straight to wicketkeeper Jimmy Pearson.

At first glance it looked as though Renshaw had fielded the ball on the bounce, however Kuhnemann and the close-in fielders all went up as one appealing for a catch.

The on-field umpires got together for a discussion, but neither of them thought Silk was out and he was allowed to remain at the crease.

However replays showed Silk had actually defended the ball straight down onto his shoe before it rebounded to Renshaw without hitting the ground.

Pearson then completed what should have been a legal dismissal, if only the umpires had seen it.

“I reckon he’s defended that onto his foot … Does it hit the ground as well? No, that’s out!” one commentator said.

British reporter Jack Mendel tweeted: “It’s clearly out, not even a debate", declaring he'd never seen that before.

Silk was eventually dismissed for 47 as Tasmania were bowled out 182 on Friday in reply to Queensland's monster first innings total of 6d-487.

Usman Khawaja staking irrepressible claim for Test recall

Usman Khawaja posted another Sheffield Shield century for Queensland on day two, further enhancing his compelling case for an Ashes recall.

Khawaja made 119 in Townsville, while Marnus Labuschagne scored 136 and former Test opener Matthew Renshaw finished 120 not out.

The 34-year-old Khawaja, who hasn't played for Australia since being axed during the 2019 Ashes, occupies top spot on the Shield season run-scoring charts - his tally boosted by a knock of 174 against South Australia at Adelaide Oval earlier this month.

England's Test attack at the Gabba will represent a notably different threat to that encountered at Riverway Stadium, where Khawaja stroked 15 boundaries before finally falling to opposing captain Beau Webster's offspin.

But Khawaja's recent form, coupled with the 34-year-old's versatility and experience, will ensure he is part of national selectors' thoughts in coming weeks.

Labuschagne, Steve Smith and David Warner are automatic selections for the first Test, which starts on December 8, while allrounder Cameron Green is expected to be retained in the XI.

But there is no shortage of conjecture about the other two spots in the top six.

Will Pucovski was expected to open in the first Test but the Victorian prodigy remains on the sidelines because of his 10th concussion.

Khawaja averages almost 100 in seven Test innings as an opener, underlining his case for partnering Warner at the Gabba.

The veteran, who now bats at No.4 for Queensland, could also be deployed in the middle order.

"If I ever get selected for Test cricket again, I would love to bat anywhere - it doesn't really bother me," Khawaja said earlier this month.

"I think the selectors know that. I don't even worry about Test selection or Test cricket any more.

"I have learnt from my past. I don't even bother about it any more. I just play the game for Queensland."

with AAP

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