Retirement is the hardest decision an elite sportsperson has to take, for it involves giving up a dream they have harboured since childhood. It is no wonder then that Dan Christian showed little hesitation when asked to overturn his decision, and showed up more than ready for his comeback.
Syndey Thunder posted a daunting target of 174 for the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on Monday after being asked to bat first on a pitch doing plenty. Their efforts were anchored by a composed David Warner fifty but lack of contributions around him meant the team was left reeling at 144/8 by the time the 18th over rolled around and the risk of a subpar score loomed large. However, out in the middle still was Dan Christian, ripe at 41 and freshly out of retirement after a two-year hiatus.
Christian had been a part of the side’s coaching staff for the past couple of seasons but was forced to put the jersey back on when Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams suffered a horrific collision in the Thunder’s previous encounter. With more exits slated for later in the tournament due to international commitments as well as injuries to Tanveer Sangha, Jason Sangha, and Nic Maddinson, Christian’s comeback was always inevitable as the player himself suggested before becoming the fifth BBL player to play past 40, but little did anyone except the veteran to play such a clinical role for his side.
Christian played 15 unbeaten balls for the Thunder and smoked two sixes en route to a score of 23, including a 92-metre heave against Australian international Xavier Bartlett over square leg to begin the 19th over. When it came to bowling, the man with over 400 T20 caps was given the responsibility of bowling the final powerplay over by David Warner and once again delivered with aplomb, scalping the rising star Nathan McSweeney before conceding just two runs in his following over. The performance was enough for Wartner to joke Christian might be in line for a call-up to the Champions Trophy squad should he maintain this form going ahead in the tournament.
Dan Christian!
The 41-year-old has just smashed this Xavier Bartlett delivery 92 metres! #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/ZgbVIt9yeC— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 6, 2025
He’s got a wicket!
Dan Christian has dismissed Nathan McSweeney at The Gabba. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/d4N5GXcw3q— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 6, 2025
