Christian commits to Gloucs for FLt20

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Australia all-rounder Dan Christian, a county and Australian Twenty20 winner respectively with Hampshire and Brisbane Heat, will be Gloucestershire’s second overseas player for this year’s Friends Life t20.

The 29-year-old, who is set to be available to last year’s quarter-finalists throughout the FLt20, will follow playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League by joining countryman, South Australia team-mate and Gloucestershire captain Michael Klinger at the Gladiators.

Christian was at the crease when Hampshire tied with Somerset in the 2010 Friends Provident t20 final to prevail by virtue of having lost less wickets. The injured batsman called for a runner for the last ball, which he faced, but nevertheless ran a single. Had Somerset broken the striker’s stumps they would have won, but Marcus Trescothick’s side were unaware of that law.

Batting with a runner for the last ball of the 2010 FPt20, Dan Christian leaves his ground. Somerset failed to run him out and thus lost

In January he helped the Heat win Australia’s Big Bash League, scoring 37 off 21 balls in the final against Perth Scorchers.

Christian has played 17 one-day and 11 Twenty20 internationals, with his last Australia appearance coming at the 2012 World T20 in Sri Lanka. In all T20 cricket the right-hander averages 20.9 with the bat at a healthy strike-rate and 25.4 with his right-arm seam bowling. He is also an excellent fielder.

Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell said: "I couldn't be more pleased about signing Dan. He is a power-hitter and a vicious competitor, as is the nature of the new breed of top T20 players, who want to win every ball.

"Dan will bat in our top four and can bowl in the middle of an innings and at the death. He is a hugely exciting recruit and he is well known to our new skipper Michael Klinger as both play for South Australia."

Christian, who has also represented Deccan Chargers in the IPL, said: "I am excited to be joining Gloucestershire for the Friends Life t20 campaign. Having played in 2010 for Hampshire, I have already had a taste of county cricket and I am really looking forward to playing in England again.

"I have two months in India for the IPL prior to joining the club which will be great preparation ahead of the English T20. I look forward to joining John Bracewell, Michael Klinger and the rest of the boys in June and pulling on a Gloucestershire shirt for the first time."

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