One of Australia's most successful T20 players has answered an urgent call to come out of retirement to help his side due to injury.
41-year-old Wiradjuri allrounder and Sydney Thunder assistant coach Dan Christian has agreed to put his pads on once more to help out the BBL side, who are facing an injury crisis after the horror collision between Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams in Perth on Friday.
The Homebush-based side are also without Tanveer Sangha (side strain), Jason Sangha (bicep) and Sam Konstas (Australian Test duties).
Christian, who retired from T20 globetrotting in 2023 after a career that saw him play 409 games for 18 teams in six countries, has won three BBL titles - one each with the Brisbane Heat, Melbourne Renegades and Sixers.
Whilst he hasn't played since the Sixers' BBL12 semi-final loss, he has kept himself in shape playing grade cricket for UNSW and has been included in the Thunder's squad for their game against the Heat at the Gabba on Monday night.
"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," Christian said.
"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."
His three appearances for the side have seen Christian hit scores of 130, 72 and 68, whilst also collecting seven wickets at 12.
On the horror collision between the two Stars players, which saw Bancroft suffer a broken nose and shoulder, and Sams a concussion, Christian said whilst it was "unfortunate," he was "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."
Thunder general manager and test player Trent Copeland said whilst the club had hoped to keep the full squad together for the entire season, the inevitability of injuries and test call ups meant adaptability was vital.
He said the Thunder were "very fortunate" Christian was able to jump straight into the side after working as an assistant this season.
"He's a legend of the BBL and we've got no doubt he's still up to the level," Copeland said. "We can't wait to see him jump back into this environment and make an impact.
"This season, our team has demonstrated tremendous character in every performance, and tomorrow night's match against the Heat will be no exception."
Christian will join an elite group of players who played in the BBL in their 40s, including Brad Hodge, Peter Siddle, Fawad Ahmed and the late Shane Warne.
With AAP
