WI vs AUS: Justin Langer confirms Dan Christian’s inclusion in Australia’s T20I XI

Australian head coach Justin Langer has confirmed that Dan Christian, who played his last international match in 2017, is all set to make a comeback into the playing XI when they go head to head against West Indies in the first T20I on Saturday. He received a surprise call-up for the Caribbean tour after being out of the national team for four years.

Ahead of the five-match T20I series, Langer seemed quite happy with the inclusion of Christian. It was reported that in recent years, the all-rounder had sent several messages to the national team head coach, in the hope of a recall into the team. In the last few years, the South Australian all-rounder has travelled across the globe playing T20 franchise cricket and has nine T20 domestic titles to his name.

“I’ve been in the (head coach) job three years and every time he gets some runs in any game or competition around the world, he texts me and says ‘Coach I’m ready to go, pick me, I’m the best all-rounder in Australia’,” Langer told reporters. He further noted that some factors which make Christian a must in the team. 

“He’s a fantastic bloke, he’s got an amazing set of hands in the field (and) he’s clever with the ball. His experience and we’ve seen throughout the Big Bash and all around the world actually, he hits the ball as cleanly as anyone,” said Langer.

Justin Langer reveals Mitchell Marsh will bat at no. 3

Langer dropped another surprise that Mitchell Marsh, the Western Australian all-rounder, will be batting at number three. The head coach explained that his ability to use brute power and hit the ball hard is something that the team wants from their top-order batters. Apart from that, Langer hinted that Ben McDermott could find a spot in the team. Sydney Sixers captain, Moises Henriques, who featured in some matches against India last summer, could also find a place in the XI.

Langer also explained that he might stick to the 7-4 model, with four specialist bowlers getting help from a bunch of all-rounders to complete the 20 overs. In the past, the head coach was more interested in playing with a formation of 6-5, with five specialist bowlers. He noted that the decision has been taken keeping in mind the conditions of the United Arab Emirates where the T20 World Cup will be played.