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Former Australia all-rounder Dan Christian has become a stand-in player for the Sydney Thunder assistant coach in a unique turn of events in the ongoing Big Bash League season.
Christian has been the team’s assistant coach for the past two seasons, but will now also be available on the roster as a player. Their last game in the BBL was during the 2022–23 season against the Brisbane Heat. Coincidentally, this time he will also be available to play against the same opponent.
Dan Christian changes assistant coach to substitute player
🚨 LATEST NEWS 🚨@ThunderBBL Christian, 41 years old, has been signed as a substitute player 😲 pic.twitter.com/ll81XorRuR
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 5, 2025
The decision to include Dan Christian in the squad was made by a no. of injury concerns for Sydney Thunder recently. Leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha has a side strain, while top-order batsman Jason Sangha has a biceps injury.
Opener Sam Konstas is unavailable due to his domestic commitments with the Australian Test team. In the recent match, Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams faced a brutal collision and both were injured.
Bancroft has a broken nose and fractured shoulder and has been ruled out of the entire BBL season. Meanwhile, Daniel Sams will also miss some games due to a concussion. Because of a no. of injuries, the club was forced to call up Christian as a substitute.
Trent Copeland on the inclusion of Dan Christian
Sydney Thunder CEO Trent Copeland has thanked Dan Christian for making himself available as a player again during difficult times for the club. He expects the all-rounder to make an impact with his experience.
“We’re very fortunate to have Dan already at the club. He’s a BBL legend and we have no doubt he’s still up to it. We can’t wait to see him jump back into this environment and make an impact.” Copeland said.
“This season, our team has shown great character in every performance, and tomorrow night’s game against the Heat will be no exception,” he added.
Dan Christian opens up for draft pick
Dan Christian himself was excited to be back on the roster as a player. While the all-rounder expressed his enjoyment of playing as a player, he also remains committed to his coaching role with the team.
“I am fully committed to my coaching role with the team and have really enjoyed working with the team we have here at Sydney Thunder for BBL 14,” said Christian.
“I made the decision in the off-season that a return to the BBL or any other T20 league was never completely off the table for me. I’ve been playing NSW Premier Cricket with UNSW Cricket Club and training hard. The body it feels great. , and I wanted to make sure I was ready if an opportunity presented itself,” he revealed.
“The incident with Cam Bancroft and Dan Sams was extremely unfortunate, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity they’ve been given. I wish them all the best with their recovery and hope they’re back on the park soon,” the former Australia all terrain added.
Along with Dan Christian, Hugh Weibgen has also been named in the Thunder squad for the game against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on January 6. Weibgen was brought in as a concussion replacement in the Thunder’s last game against the Perth Scorchers for Cameron Bancroft.
