Dan Christian’s Sydney homecoming finally a reality as the Sixers prepare for an SCG final

When Dan Christian decided he wanted to leave the Melbourne Renegades and return home to Sydney, he never envisaged that he would only get to play the one game at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

However, the fact that the one game he will play is going to be a Big Bash final certainly makes it all worth it.

The SCG is the spiritual home of cricket for any player from NSW and Christian’s desire to play at the venue played a big role in his decision to join the Sydney Sixers. 

He was also confident the Sixers would again challenge for the title after claiming the trophy in BBL09. 

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Speaking to Sporting News as the Sixers prepare to host their second-consecutive Big Bash final, Christian spoke openly about why he felt it was important to make the move back to Sydney at this point of his career. 

”I just expressed an interest in heading back to Sydney,” Christian said.

“That’s where I grew up and where I started my cricket and I expressed an interest in heading back there. Being towards the back end of my career, I just felt it would be a nice way to bookend my career.

“To be able to head back and play some cricket at the SCG. That was a part of the carrot, heading back and playing half the games there.

“It’s pretty unfortunate that we haven’t been able to play any cricket there this year, but [it’s] fantastic we’re going to be able to play the final there.”

It didn’t take much convincing for Christian to join the Sixers. 

He spoke with both captain Moises Henriques and coach Greg Shipperd, who barely had to get a word in before the discussions started about signing with the club. 

The Sixers culture has been well spoken about, they have built an incredible dynasty over the history of the Big Bash that has seen them qualify for five out of the ten finals.

Their fifth final will take place on Saturday at the SCG as they play either the Brisbane Heat or the Perth Scorchers.

It played a strong influence in Christian’s decision and he believes it has been more incredible to witness it first hand. 

“Being the defending champs, I was pretty keen to be a part of the organisation,” Christian said.

“They’ve been successful all the way through the BBL having already won a couple of titles and having played in a few finals, they’re always there and thereabout.

“Having looked at the group of guys from the outside, it’s a fantastic bunch and they’re really well led by Moises and Greg Shipperd, all the way up to Jodie Hawkins (Sydney Sixers General Manager) up the top.

“I think it’s a pretty strong reason we’ve had so much success is that we’ve got a good group of people here in our organisation on and off the field.

“There’s always someone around that you’re more than happy to go for a coffee with or go for a beer with, it’s been a really enjoyable time with a good group of people.”

BBL10 has certainly thrown up a lot of different challenges for players having been stuck in biosecurity hubs as the tournament has moved around the country. 

Christian has plenty of experience playing in domestic T20 competitions around the world so knows what it’s like to be moving from hotel to hotel as the world goes on around him. 

But for the most part, the 37-year-old hasn’t found the conditions too tough and has been impressed with the players’ attitude taking the challenges on. 

“Even though we’ve had the hub life and travel has been a bit different, once you get out on the field, it’s sort of business as usual,” Christian said.

“It’s been nice that we’ve still been able to play in front of some crowds, albeit smaller than usual, but nice to play in front of some good crowds.

“We were able to make Metricon on the Gold Coast a little bit of a fortress for us, we played four games and I’m pretty sure we were undefeated up there. I think we’ve adjusted really well.

“The guys haven’t complained about anything. We just get up, go to training, go about our work and then onto the next one.

“The hub life has certainly helped me get to know my new teammates. Normally, in other comps, particularly as an overseas player, you’re sort of in your hotel, you go to training then the game and all the other guys head back to their normal lives.

“Hub life this time has been fantastic for me to get to know the guys and spend pretty much 24/7 together outside of training and playing.”

While he’s busy fielding texts from friends and family wanting tickets to the Big Bash final in Sydney, one phone call he didn’t receive in the last week was from selector Trevor Hohns to say he would be part of Australia’s T20 tour to New Zealand. 

There was speculation that Christian could be included as a batting all-rounder having perfected the role for the Sixers this tournament. 

While he didn’t hear from Hohns, Christian confirmed he did have a long conversation with George Bailey who indicated he was on the radar for international selection despite not being included for the New Zealand tour.

“I had a bit of a chat with George (Bailey) so that was encouraging,” Christian said.

“I know George Bailey really well, we played a lot of cricket together. As kids, we played U19 together so we’ve known each other for 20 odd years.

“Look if I just keep putting performances on the board, keep playing well and keep contributing to trophies then I’m sure I’m not going to be too far away from any kind of honours.

“It’s not really something I think about, to be honest. It’s more that I’m happy to contribute to winning competitions. That’s the main reason I play these days.

“Hopefully, we can put in a really good performance and lift that trophy on Saturday night.”

Once the Big Bash is finished, Christian won’t have too much downtime to relax and look back at his season. He will be off to Pakistan in mid-February after signing with the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League. 

Christian has also put his name down for the Indian Premier League auction where he hopes to be one of a number of Australians picked up by one of the eight franchises. 

Then after that, it’s back to England where he will look to build on his 2020 winning season with Notts. 

Even at 37, there are no signs of slowing down for Dan Christian.