Dan Christian smashed two sixes and picked a wicket in his return from retirement for the Sydney Thunder. (BBL)
With injuries mounting and player unavailabilities mounting in his Big Bash League side, Sydney Thunder assistant coach Dan Christian was left with no choice but to pad up again, two year after his retirement from professional cricket.
On Monday, the hard-hitting seam all-rounder turned back the clock as he was drafted in straightaway into the Thunder XI against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba. Batting at No. 8, Christan remained unbeaten on 23 off 15 deliveries while smacking two sixes. The 41-year-old even had the muscle to hammer Aussie pacer Xavier Bartlett over mid-wicket for a huge six, measured 92 metres.
Dan Christian!
The 41-year-old has just smashed this Xavier Bartlett delivery 92 metres! #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/ZgbVIt9yeC
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 6, 2025
Christian was forced to return after the horrific on-field collision between his teammates Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams. The Aussie internationals sustained severe injuries with Sams incurring a concussion and Bancroft suffering a fractured shoulder blade and a broken nose. The Thunder are also without Jason Sangha, Nic Madinson and Tanveer Sangha due to injuries for the season. Besides the extensive list, Sydney can also miss the services of Sam Konstas (international commitments), Sherfane Rutherford and Lockie Ferguson (ILT20) during the season.
Christian out-scored all but one of his teammates as Sydney posted 173 for eight. He even returned the most economical figures for the side while dismissing Heat’s Nathan McSweeney and finished with figures of 1/25 in four overs. Though the Heat romped home by five wickets and seven balls to spare, Christian ensured that he had still a lot left in the tank. The return made Christian the sixth-oldest player to feature in the BBL at 41 years and 247 days.
“Is he freshly shaved, so he looks a little younger and fresher?” 😅
Dan Christian becomes the sixth-oldest man to play in the Big Bash tonight #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/HwTNKENruN
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 6, 2025
“I made the decision during the off season that a return to the BBL or any other T20 leagues was never entirely off the table for me,” Christian said. “The body feels great, and I wanted to ensure I was prepared if an opportunity arose. The incident with Cam Bancroft and Dan Sams was extremely unfortunate, but I’m really grateful for the opportunity it’s presented. I wish them all the best with their recoveries and hope they’ll be back on the park soon.”
Having played over 400 T20s in his career, Christian had amased over 5800 runs and picked up 280 wickets before calling it quits in 2023. Christian also played 43 internationals for Australia, including 23 T20Is to total 118 runs and 13 wickets.
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