Northern District captain Chris Green defects to Manly-Warringah Cricket Club

In a stunning move, Northern District Cricket Club captain Chris Green has left the club and will be playing for Manly-Warringah as the Waratahs’ captain in the Belvidere Cup first grade competition next season.

Northern District Captain Chris Green bowls against Manly in Grade Cricket at Manly Oval. Picture: Braden Fastier

THE Northern District cricket community has been rocked after a shocking transfer.

In a stunning move, Northern District Cricket Club captain Chris Green has left the club and will be playing for Manly-Warringah as the Waratahs’ captain in the Belvidere Cup first grade competition next season.

The joint announcement by Green and Manly on Monday has left the recently crowned Club Champions and First Grade T20 premiers in shock.

Green advised Rangers president Mike Langford of his decision over the weekend.

Sydney Thunder Academy and Northern District first grade captain Chris Green after winning the Academy Tri-Series Final. Source: Sydney Thunder

It is believed Green may have considered working with Test spinner Steven O’Keefe and former Rangers all-rounder Ahillen Beadle after spending time with Manly club coaching figure Shawn Bradstreet in the Pakistan T20 Super League in the United Arab Emirates.

That prospect – plus the lure of the Manly captaincy and the combination with Bradstreet – has proved to be too great for the now former Rangers skipper.

For the Rangers, a new club captain will have to be found to lead the defence of their Club Championship and T20 titles.

It is understood the players will be consulted over the winter before an announcement is made on Green’s replacement before pre-season training starts in July.

Leading batsman and first grade Player of the Year Andy Harriott is the logical frontrunner after stepping in as captain when Green was absent last season.

Northern District Captain Chris Green bowls against Manly in Grade Cricket at Manly Oval. Picture: Braden Fastier