Former Australian all-rounder Dan Christian has become a substitute player for Sydney Thunder assistant coach in a unique turn of events in the current Big Bash League season.

Christian has been an assistant coach for the team for the past two seasons, but will now also be available on the team as a player. His last game in the BBL was during the 2022-23 season against the Brisbane Heat. Coincidentally, this time it will also be available to play against the same rival.

Also read: “I would have given another chance to…”: Sunil Gavaskar questions Rohit Sharma’s Test future in brutal attack

Dan Christian becomes assistant coach’s substitute player

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨@ThunderBBL Assistant coach Christian, 41, has been signed as a substitute player 😲 pic.twitter.com/ll81XorRuR

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 5, 2025

The decision to include Dan Christian on the team was made due to a no. of injury concerns for Sydney Thunder recently. Legspinner Tanveer Sangha has a side strain, while top-order batsman Jason Sangha has a biceps injury.

Opener Sam Konstas is unavailable due to his domestic commitments with the Australian Test team. In the recent match, Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams had a brutal collision and both were injured.

Bancroft has a broken nose and fractured shoulder and has been ruled out for the entire BBL season. Meanwhile, Daniel Sams will also miss some games due to a concussion. Due to a no. Due to injuries, the club was forced to call up Christian as a substitute.

Trent Copeland on the inclusion of Dan Christian

Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland has thanked Dan Christian for making himself available as a player during difficult times for the club. He hopes that this all-rounder will leave its mark thanks to its great experience.

“We are very fortunate to have Dan within the club. He is a BBL legend and we have no doubt that he is still up to the task. We can’t wait to see him return to this environment and make a big impact,” said Copeland.

“This season, our team has shown tremendous character in every performance, and tomorrow night’s game against the Heat will be no exception,” he added.

Dan Christian opens up about his team selection

Dan Christian himself was excited to be back on the team as a player. While the all-rounder expressed his pleasure in playing as a player, he also remains committed to his coaching role in the team.

“I am fully committed to my coaching role in the team and have really enjoyed working with the team we have here at Sydney Thunder for BBL 14,” Christian said.

“I made the decision during the off-season that returning to the BBL or any other T20 league was never completely out of the question for me. I’ve been playing NSW Premier Cricket with UNSW Cricket Club and training hard. The body feels great. “And I wanted to make sure to be prepared if an opportunity arises,” he revealed.

“The incident with Cam Bancroft and Dan Sams was extremely unfortunate, but I am very grateful for the opportunity presented to me. I wish them all the best in their recovery and hope they return to the park soon,” said the former Australian. added off-roading.

Along with Dan Christian, Hugh Weibgen has also been named in the Thunder squad for the match against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on January 6. Weibgen was brought in as a concussion substitute in the Thunder’s final game against Perth Scorchers in place of Cameron Bancroft.