Dan Christian made available for BBL return as Thunder announce squad ahead of clash with Heat

Christian, who has been serving as Thunder’s assistant coach for the past two seasons, has answered a late call-up to bolster the team amid a mounting injury toll.

Weibgen was brought in as a concussion substitute against the Perth Scorchers and played a pivotal role in Thunder's successful run chase.

With Tanveer Sangha (side strain), Jason Sangha (bicep), Daniel Sams (concussion), Cameron Bancroft (broken nose and fractured shoulder), and Sam Konstas (Australian Test duties) unavailable, the club was forced to make changes to their roster.

Thunder General Manager, Trent Copeland acknowledged that while the club had hoped to have their original squad available throughout the tournament, injuries are an inevitable part of professional sport, and adaptability is key.  

"We’re very fortunate to have Dan already within the club. He's a legend of the BBL and we've got no doubt he's still up to the level. We can't wait to see him jump back into this environment and make an impact," Copeland said. 

"This season, our team has demonstrated tremendous character in every performance, and tomorrow night’s match against the Heat will be no exception."

Sydney Thunder Squad v Brisbane Heat:

David Warner (31) (C) 
Wes Agar (8) 
Tom Andrews (54) 
Sam Billings (77) 
Dan Christian (36) 
Ollie Davies (9) 
Lockie Ferguson (69) 
Matt Gilkes (22) 
Toby Gray (11) 
Chris Green (93) 
Liam Hatcher (7) 
Blake Nikitaras (29) 
Sherfane Rutherford (50) 
Hugh Weibgen (48) 

Christian’s most recent BBL appearance was the BBL|12 semi-final at the SCG, where he faced the Brisbane Heat. Now, at 41, he is set to make himself available for selection against the same opponent, this time at the Gabba.

Speaking on the decision, Christian said:

"I'm fully committed to my coaching role with the team and have really enjoyed working with the squad we have here at Sydney Thunder for BBLI14.

"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. 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.

"The incident with Cam Bancroft and Dan Sams was extremely unfortunate, but I’m 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."

Tomorrow’s match holds extra significance as Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat face off for the Road Safety Cup, an initiative designed to promote crucial road safety messaging to BBL fans.

The partnership between Transport for NSW, Sydney Thunder, Transport and Main Roads Queensland, and Brisbane Heat highlights the shared commitment to reducing road trauma. To amplify the message, Sydney Thunder star Chris Green will wear the number ‘0’ and the name ‘Towards Zero’ on his shirt, symbolising that when it comes to road fatalities, the only acceptable number is zero.

Last year, 340 people tragically lost their lives on NSW roads, leaving no community untouched by the pain of these preventable deaths. Through initiatives like this, we are reminded that every life matters, and as a community, we must work together to drive the road toll Towards Zero.

Thunder fans can catch all the action live on 7, Fox Cricket, 7Plus and Kayo Sports, with radio coverage on ABC Sport and SEN. 

Remaining Sydney Thunder BBL|14 Fixtures (All Times AEDT)
Monday, January 6 | v Brisbane Heat | Gabba | 7:15pm 
Wednesday, January 8 | v Hobart Hurricanes | ENGIE Stadium | 7:15pm
Friday, January 10 | v Hobart Hurricanes | Ninja Stadium | 7:15pm
Monday, January 13 | v Perth Scorchers | ENGIE Stadium | 7:30pm 
Friday, January 17 | v Sydney Sixers | SCG | 7:15pm