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Sydney Sixers veteran Dan Christian sends SOS for replacement players for BBL final against Perth Scorchers

Samantha RogersThe West Australian
We’ve all been there: Putting out a call for reinforcements while short on numbers. But Dan Christian’s not looking for extras for social sport or a grade competition. It’s the Big Bash League final.
Camera IconWe’ve all been there: Putting out a call for reinforcements while short on numbers. But Dan Christian’s not looking for extras for social sport or a grade competition. It’s the Big Bash League final. Credit: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

We’ve all been there: Putting out a call for reinforcements while being short on numbers for social sport or a grade competition.

But this one’s a little different. It’s not for a Monday night rec team or a low-grade weekend comp.

It’s the Big Bash League final.

“Shout out to anyone* in Melbourne that wants a game of cricket tomorrow night,” Sixers veteran Dan Christian wrote on Twitter.

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“My team is struggling to get 11 COVID free, fit players on the park. Warm up starts at 6.30pm at Marvel Stadium. Free beer afterwards, potentially out of a large cup. DM if keen

“*no test cricketers.”

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The Sixers will meet Perth Scorchers for the BBL title decider on Friday, after limping past the Adelaide Strikers in a thrilling run chase at the SCG on Wednesday.

Sydney had been hoping Australian Test star Steve Smith could make a return in magenta for their finals campaign after the postponement of the ODI series in New Zealand.

But that pipe dream was denied by Cricket Australia, as Smith was not contracted to the Sixers for BBL11 - hence the asterisk in Christian’s impassioned plea.

Some had argued it would be an unfair advantage, while others argued the integrity of the Big Bash had already been compromised by the mid-tournament decision to enact a replacement pool - with grade cricketers playing for multiple clubs due to COVID-19 protocols, injuries and international duties leaving sides without enough signed players to field a team.

The Sixers are now one of those clubs looking for replacement players, as their numbers continue to dwindle ahead of their crack at a third-straight BBL trophy.

Steve Smith.
Camera IconSteve Smith. Credit: BRENDON THORNE/AAPIMAGE

Spinner Steve O’Keefe (calf) and Jordan Silk (hamstring) are no certainty for Friday’s decider, while captain Moises Henriques (calf) went into the match against the Strikers under an injury cloud.

WA young gun Josh Philippe, as well as brothers Jack and Mickey Edwards, will also miss the final with COVID.

In good news for the Sixers, Dan Hughes is set to return after missing the Strikers clash with an ankle strain.

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