Melbourne Renegades recruit unfazed by his new club’s history against Perth ahead of their season opener
Onwards Christian soldiers after T20 win
Six-time T20 championships winner Dan Christian has no baggage – physically and metaphorically - as Melbourne Renegades gear up to break their KFC BBL drought against Perth Scorchers.
After an off-season switch from Hobart Hurricanes, Christian will play his first game for the Renegades against the Scorchers at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
And he's hoping his cricket equipment will have turned up by then.
Christian arrived in Melbourne without the tools of his trade in the early hours of Wednesday morning after he was part of the Jozi Stars side that won the final of the South African T20 tournament on Sunday.
"It was taken off the plane in Perth on the way home even though I was told it was checked in all the way to Melbourne," Christian said with a wry smile on Wednesday.
"Hopefully it will arrive.
Lost his gear in customs! But a visit to the Bat Cave and @danchristian54 is all set for @RenegadesBBL v @ScorchersBBL tonight 👌 #TeamKookaburra #BBL08 #Ghost👻 pic.twitter.com/HzwR2zthAx— Kookaburra Cricket (@KookaburraCkt) December 19, 2018
"It's been a bit of a frustrating day but Kookaburra have been looking after me for years and their factory is just down the road from my house so I ducked in there and grabbed some stuff."
Christian met his new teammates for the first time for a training session at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday.
The Renegades face a tough opening to BBL08, having never beaten the Scorchers in eight attempts.
"I only found that out this morning actually ... I had no idea that they'd never beaten them," Christian said.
"It doesn't really bother me I don't carry that baggage.
"I was lucky enough to be a part of a pretty solid (Hurricanes) win against the Scorchers in the semi-final over there last year in front of a massive crowd at the new stadium.
"I think we've got a really strong side with a lot of bases covered ... if we play anywhere near our best I'm sure we can get a victory."
The recruitment of Christian could prove to be a good omen for the Renegades as they seek their maiden BBL title this season.
Christian’s victory in South Africa was the sixth domestic T20 title he’s won worldwide from 10 finals appearances having previous won tournaments in Australia (twice), England (twice) and the Caribbean.
The Renegades will be without captain Aaron Finch and star opener Marcus Harris for the clash against the Scorchers, who will be rested after taking part in Australia's win over India in the second Test.
Dan Christian in T20 finals
2006: Big Bash, NSW v Victoria (lost)
2010: Big Bash, South Australia v Victoria (lost)
2010: England T20, Hampshire v Somerset (won)
2011: Big Bash, South Australia v NSW (won)
2013: BBL, Heat v Scorchers (won)
2017: IPL, Rising Pune Supergiant v Mumbai (lost)
2017: T20 Blast, Notts v Birmingham (won)
2017: CPL, Trinbago v St Kitts (won)
2018: BBL, Hurricanes v Strikers (lost)
2018: SA Super League, Jozi Stars v Cape Town Blitz (won)