FORMER Australia player Dan Christian has been made a substitute player by Sydney Thunder assistant coach in a unique turn of events in the ongoing season of the Big Bash League.
Christian has been the team's assistant coach for the past two seasons, but will now be available in the team as a player as well. His last BBL match was during the 2022-23 season against Brisbane Heat. Coincidentally, he will be available to play against the same opponent this time around as well.
Dan Christian transitions to substitute player from assistant coach
🚨 Breaking news 🚨@THShnDepforforto 41-year-old assistant coach Christian was hired as a replacement player 😲 pIC.RThIRRep.CSM/toto81XSpRShR
– 7cricket (@7cricket) CAnShApy 5, 2025
The decision to include Dan Christian in the team was made due to rejection. One of the injury concerns for the Sydney Thunder recently. Legspinner Tanveer Sangha suffers a side strain while batting first-order Jason Sangha He has a biceps injury.
opener Konstas himself Unavailable due to national commitments with the Australian Test team. In the last match, Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams They were involved in a violent collision and both were injured.
Bancroft suffers a broken nose and broken shoulder and has been ruled out of the entire BBL season. Meanwhile, Daniel Sams will also miss some matches due to a concussion. Because no. Due to injuries, the club was forced to call Christian as a substitute.
Trent Copeland talks about including Dan Christian
Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland has thanked Dan Christian for making himself available as a player again during a difficult time for the club. He expects the all-rounder to make an impact with his wealth of experience.
“We are very fortunate to already have Dan within the club. He is a legend in the BBL and we have no doubt that he is still at the level. We can't wait to see him back in this environment and making an impact,” Copeland said.
He added: “This season, our team has shown tremendous character in every performance, and tomorrow's match against the Heat will be no exception.”
Dan Christian talks about his selection to the team
Dan Christian himself was excited to be on the team as a player again. Although the player expressed his happiness at 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 here at Sydney Thunder in BBL 14,” Christian said.
“I made the decision during the off-season that a return to the BBL or any other T20 leagues was never completely out of the question for me. I've been playing NSW Premier Cricket with UNSW Cricket Club, training hard. I feel like my body is in great shape. I wanted to make sure I was ready “If the opportunity arises.”
“The incident with Cam Bancroft and Dan Sams was very unfortunate, but I'm really grateful for the opportunity I've been given. I wish them all the best in their recovery and hope they're back on the park soon,” the former Australia player said. Added.
Along with Dan Christian, Hugh Webgen was also named in the Thunder squad for the match against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on 6 January. Weibgen was brought in as a concussion replacement in the Thunder's last match against the Perth Scorchers for Cameron Bancroft.
