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Christian excels in Aussies' T20 tune-up

3 minute read

Dan Christian, Mitch Marsh and Ashton Turner have produced impressive knocks in Australia's intra-squad clash ahead of a Twenty20 series against West Indies.

MITCHELL MARSH.
MITCHELL MARSH. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Dan Christian is on the cusp of a remarkable recall at age 38, having impressed in Australia's first intra-squad clash on their limited-overs tour of the West Indies.

The enlarged touring party of 20 was divided into two sides for the match in St Lucia that featured 22-over innings.

Christian hammered 47 from 31 balls, including three fours and two sixes, against an attack headlined by Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa.

Mitch Marsh (56) and Ashton Turner (45 not out) then ensured their side hauled in a target of 194 with two balls remaining.

Christian hasn't played for Australia in almost four years, while his past four months have been full of coronavirus-related disruptions and detours around the world.

But the allrounder, who logged figures of 0-16 from two overs in the chase, is now firmly on national selectors' radar ahead of this year's Twenty20 World Cup and the T20 tour opener on Saturday morning (AEST).

"It's the pinnacle to play for your country in any form but World Cups are massive," Christian said.

"It'd be really nice ... but we've got a real wealth of talent in that area (the 'finisher' with the bat).

"Whoever gets the gig is probably going to be playing really well at the time and no doubt will do a good job for Australia at that World Cup."

The proud Wiradjuri man, who captained an Aboriginal XI on a UK tour in 2018, has dominated for the Sydney Sixers and other T20 franchises around the world in recent years.

Christian was part of this year's Pakistan Super League but that T20 competition was halted in March because of COVID-19.

The veteran's IPL stint was also cut short because of the pandemic.

Christian decamped to the Maldives alongside Pat Cummins and other Australians then spent a fortnight in Bahrain, ensuring he could travel to England for yet more T20 cricket.

Christian was about to start the English season when he returned home for another fortnight in hotel quarantine, having been called into Australia's limited-overs squad after Cummins and a stack of stars opted to sit the tour out.

"It was nice to play a game, I've done a lot of travel lately," he said.

"To get the call up again as a 38-year-old is pretty special.

"I certainly wasn't going to knock that opportunity back, I jumped on the first plane I could."

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