In a unique turn of events in the ongoing season of the Big Bash League, former Australian Dan Christian has become the replacement player for the assistant coach of the Sydney Thunder.
Christian has been the team’s assistant coach for the past two seasons, but will now also be available as a player on the team. His last game in the BBL was against the Brisbane Heat in the 2022–23 season. Coincidentally, he will be ready to play against the same opponent this time as well.
Dan Christian moves from assistant coach to substitute player
🚨 LATEST NEWS 🚨@ThunderBBL 41-year-old assistant coach Christian signed a contract as a substitute player pic.twitter.chem/ll81XherRuR
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 5, 2025
The decision to include Dan Christian in the squad was made because of “no”. Injury concerns for Sydney Thunder recently. Legspinner Tanveer Sangha is the top-order batter while there is a side strain Jason Sangha has a biceps injury.
An opener Constas himself Unavailable due to national commitments with Australia’s Test team. In the last match Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams they clashed wildly and both were injured.
Bancroft suffered a broken nose and broken shoulder and was ruled out for the entire BBL season. Meanwhile, Daniel Sams will also miss several games due to a concussion. Because of no. due to injuries, the club had to call Christian as a substitute.
Trent Copeland on the inclusion of Dan Christian
Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland has thanked Dan Christie for reinventing himself as a player during a difficult time for the club. He expects the all-rounder to impress with his vast experience.
“We’re very fortunate to have Dan at the club now. He’s a BBL legend and we’ve no doubt he’s still up to the mark. We can’t wait for him to jump back into that environment and make a good 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 reports on being selected for the squad
Dan Christian himself was excited to be back in the lineup as a player. While the all-rounder says he is happy playing as a player, he remains committed to his coaching role in the team.
“I am fully committed to my coaching role with the team and have really enjoyed working with the squad at Sydney Thunder for BBL 14,” said Christian.
“I decided in the off-season that it was never entirely possible for me to go back to the BBL or any other T20 leagues. I’ve been playing NSW Premier Cricket with the UNSW Cricket Club and I’ve been training hard. The body feels great. , and if the opportunity arises, I’m ready I wanted to make sure I was,” he said.
“The incident with Cam Bancroft and Dan Sams was extremely unfortunate, but I’m grateful for the opportunity. I wish them all the best in their recovery and hope they’ll be back on the park soon,” added the former Australian all-rounder.
Along with Dan Christian, Hugh Weibgen has been named in the Thunder’s squad for the match against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on January 6. Weibgen was brought on as a concussion replacement for Cameron Bancroft in the Thunder’s last game against the Perth Scorchers.
