As the dust settles on WA’s epic two-wicket Sheffield Shield win over Queensland, injured opening batter Sam Fanning has given insight to his remarkable role in the success.
Fanning breaks through the pain barrier in Shield epic
Fanning grabbed at his left hamstring while chasing a ball to the boundary early on day three of the encounter at the WACA Ground and was forced from the field for the remainder of Queensland’s second innings.
Due to spending so long off the ground during Queensland’s second innings, Fanning couldn’t bat before number seven in the order and wasn’t allowed a runner unless he batted number 11.
WA had slipped to 8-161 in pursuit of 201 for victory when Fanning joined captain Aaron Hardie at the crease, with only paceman Albert Esterhuysen left to come.
What followed was one of the bravest innings in WA’s storied Sheffield Shield history, as Fanning – unable to run – had to sidestep, shuffle and crouch his way down the pitch.
Fanning fought his way to an unbeaten 14 off 82 deliveries, leaving Hardie to do the bulk of the scoring as the target neared.
Fittingly, Fanning tucked a delivery on his hip from Xavier Bartlett behind square for two painstaking runs to seal the victory.
Speaking on ABC Radio, Fanning outlined how carefully thought out the plan was to ensure he could help his team to victory.
“I tried a small jog, but whenever I had my left leg full extended, I’d basically feel a shock down the back of my leg,” he said.
“Chris Quinnell, our physio, suggested maybe a little bit of a side shuffle because I could put all my weight on my right leg and that was efficient.
“He said ‘you’re going to look like a bit of an idiot, but if that’s the quickest way then let’s roll with that’.”
While it wasn’t his most fluent innings in a WA shirt, it was one of Fanning’s grittiest.
When asked how the injury felt the morning after, Fanning was typically glass half-full.
“It’s pretty sore, but it’s definitely better after a WA win.”
WA has since turned its attention to its One-Day Cup match against Queensland at the WACA Ground tomorrow, starting 2pm.
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, starting at $6 for juniors, $11 for concession, $17 for adults or $40 for a family of four (two adults, two juniors).