Sydney Sixers all-rounder Daniel Christian has taken to the social media ahead of the Big Bash League (BBL) final against Perth Scorchers on Friday (January 28) to address his team's inability to field a fully fit playing XI. The Sixers are struggling to put together a fully fit squad due to the outbreak of Covid-19 in their camp.
The defending champions have made it to their third consecutive final to defend their crown, but with star players unavailable, Christian took a dig at Cricket Australia (CA). The board recently disallowed Steve Smith from joining the Sixers squad while Josh Philippe, their highest scorer in the current season, was ruled out due to Covid-19. Also, Daniel Hughes was unfit for the match and Jordan Silk limped off the field in the qualifier against Adelaide Strikers.
In the early hours of Thursday (January 27) morning, Christian tweeted, “Shout out to anyone* in Melbourne that wants a game of cricket tomorrow night. 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.”
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers also had a crack on the tweet with his reply, “I’m keen if u can guarantee me my 4 overs?”
Meanwhile, England's 2019 World Cup hero Jofra Archer also replied with a question, “Do I have to pay subs?”
The perilous situation in the Sixers camp has been a topic of debate. Christian's tweet to call out fans has brought the pandemic issue on the front page once again. On the other hand, CA's rule of not allowing Smith to join has added fuel to the fire.
It will be a top-of-the-table clash in the finals of the BBL as the Sixers finished second in the BBL standings with 35 points while Perth Scorchers topped with 40 points in 14 league matches. In three encounters so far this season the Scorchers have come out on top on all occasions. This includes the qualifier encounter last Saturday, where Sixers were beaten in a one-sided encounter by 48 runs.
