Dan Christian signs for Corowa Cricket Club

A former international cricket star will head to country cricket this season in a move that will help lift a community devastated by floods.

Corowa still can’t believe former Australian international Dan Christian will be play for the senior team this season.

The former three-state all-rounder will play a handful of matches for the Cricket Albury Wodonga club.

He joins after an illustrious career in the shortest form of the game.

Christian is a nine-time winner in T20 competitions around the world, including multiple BBL titles and has played over 400 matches in the format.

Earlier this year, he announced his professional retirement, playing his last game for the Sydney Sixers.

Now, he’ll play country cricket in Victoria.

“Ben Mitchell plays with us and he’s mates with him through Sydney cricket,” Corowa president Paul Lavis said.

“We threw a hail mary at him to play one game but he’s come back saying more than that he’s happy to be involved in more.

“We never thought it would happen. I think he just wants to give back to cricket, it’s a sign of the bloke he is.

“It’s quite amazing he’s coming.”

Lavis said Christian will play at least five games, weather permitting, for the club before he fulfils his requirement for the Sydney Thunder as an assistant coach in the BBL.

There is a chance he can qualify for finals if he plays the required games.

Lavis said Christian will be a valuable asset to the club.

“We had a Zoom meeting with him last night and he’s all hunky dorey,” he said.

“He seems like a great bloke.

“We’ve got a young list, it will be unbelievable for them (to play with Dan).”

Christian is expected to bat or bowl whenever he wants and provide valuable help to the team whenever he can.

It’s also a much-needed boost for the Corowa community after their football team – Corowa Rutherglen – sat out the Ovens and Murray season after a lack of players were involved.

“It’s a factor, for sure,” Lavis said.

“It was too good of an opportunity not to take.

“We’re still coming to terms with it, it’s a bit surreal.”

Christian’s first game will be on October 21 against St Patrick’s.