In-form Australian Dan Christian is set to play in Monday’s Royal London One-Day Cup semi-final against Surrey after Imran Tahir was ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.
The South African international picked up an upper thigh injury whilst playing for his country against New Zealand and will play no further part in Nottinghamshire’s 2015 campaign.
Christian, who has played in six of the Outlaws’ nine Royal London One-Day Cup matches to date, with Tahir featuring in the other three, has remained in the UK since the quarter-final victory over Durham.
He featured for the Second XI in this week’s three day fixture against Gloucestershire, scoring 52 off 39 balls in the first innings and 42 off nine balls in the second, including six sixes.
The former Australia international is averaging 66 with the bat and 16 with the ball in the Royal London-One Day Cup competition in 2015. His last three innings have brought scores of 59 off 36 balls, 72 off 48 balls and 48 not out off 35 deliveries.
With James Taylor and Alex Hales likely to miss the semi-final showdown having been selected by England for the ODI series against Australia, Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell is taking positives from the opportunity to select Christian.
“With Taylor and Hales unlikely to play, to lose three of your top six would have been a big blow going into a semi-final, so it’s a good option to have Dan available.
“We asked him to stick around after the Durham match and he was happy to do that.
“He has been in great form in this competition, he has been scoring runs quickly, he provides a nice balance with being able to bowl his overs as well, and hopefully there is more to come from him on Monday.”
Tahir’s three Royal London One-Day Cup appearances brought six wickets at an average of 21 and an economy rate of 4.34 runs-per-over.
The Outlaws emerged victorious from each of the matches – against Essex, Lancashire and Middlesex – and Tahir also featured in the five-wicket LV= County Championship victory over Worcestershire.
“Let’s also not forget that Imran has performed very well for us during this competition,” added Newell.
“He was a popular member of the side and I’m sure the lads won’t forget that should we go on and win the competition.
“But, with the form Dan is in and the players we are missing, he is probably a better option for us in this game, so I’m looking at it as a positive.”
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