During a recent cricket match, Australia’s 12th man Molly Beardman got a little too comfortable on the field. Tasked with bringing water and snacks to teammates, Beardman wandered too close to the boundary during play. When a high ball was hit toward Marnus Labuschagne, Beardman was standing right in the potential catch zone. Labuschagne, a strong fielder, likely had a play on it but got distracted by the bright orange vest of the water boy. The ball sailed over for six runs, and Marnus let Beardman know he was not happy with a long glare.
The clip got a good laugh from the crowd, but Marnus stayed serious. Beardman, just 19 and new to the team, looked sheepish once he realized what happened. Teammates sent in Jake Fraser-McGurk, another young reserve, to smooth things over. He joked with Marnus and tried to coax a smile. Marnus wasn’t up for it. The moment passed, but not before cameras caught the awkward misstep and the quiet tension between players. Beardman learned fast that even the water boy needs to stay aware during live play.