BBL14: Dan Christian makes shock return for Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat clash

With Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams sidelined, the Sydney Thunder have called up 41-year-old Dan Christian to make a shock Big Bash return. And he’s in some fine form with the bat.

Veteran T20 journeyman Dan Christian has been parachuted into the Sydney Thunder squad for after the Big Bash franchise were left searching for players following the injuries to Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams.

Former Australian international Christian, who is the Thunder’s assistant coach, has been named as an injury replacement player alongside Hugh Weibgen for the clash with the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on Monday night.

Christian’s return comes after Bancroft (broken nose and concussion) and Sams (concussion) were ruled out after their horror collision on Saturday night, joining Tanveer Sangha (side strain) and Sam Konstas (Australian team) as the Thunder’s absentees.

It has meant the BBL franchise has been forced to make changes to their squad.

The 41-year-old has played three games for UNSW in club cricket this season amassing 270 runs at an average of 90 including a high score of 130.

Christian has also taken seven wickets at just 12.14.

“I’m fully committed to my coaching role with the team and have really enjoyed working with the squad we have here at Sydney Thunder for BBL14,” Christian said.

Dan Christian has been parachuted into the Sydney Thunder squad. Picture: Getty Images

“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. I’ve been playing NSW Premier Cricket with UNSW Cricket Club, and training hard.

“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.”

Christian’s most recent BBL appearance was the BBL12 semi-final against the Heat.

“We’re very fortunate to have Dan already within the club. He’s a legend of the BBL and we’ve got no doubt he’s still up to the level. We can’t wait to see him jump back into this environment and make an impact,” Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said.

Originally published as BBL14: Dan Christian makes shock return for Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat clash