COVERED WINTER 2019

11 @TRENTBRIDGE The epitome of the globetrotting white- ball specialist, Christian has appeared for 19 separate outfits around the world, in addition to his time spent in the Australia and Aboriginal setups. But there is something about the green and golds which has compelled him to set down his cricketing roots. “Nottingham very much feels like home,” he says. “I’ve played more cricket for Notts now than I have for any other team. “I’ve made some really good friends here, and I certainly don’t need the sat- nav now to find my way around. Long may it continue.” ****** Dan Christian is angry. It is the evening of 3 August, and Notts have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at OldTrafford. After outclassing Birmingham Bears at Trent Bridge the previous night, the story against Lancashire Lightning could hardly have been more different. Christian was on the field at the death, doing all he could to drag his team over the line through skill, power, and sheer indomitable force of will. But while his three sixes in the penultimate over may have stoked the fires of hope, they ultimately weren’t enough. In general, the green and golds have been ill-disciplined with their shot selection when chasing an attainable target. And Christian is not afraid to let them know, as captured unforgettably by the Club’s behind-the-scenes documentary All In. “Some things we did today were just dumb,”he says. “We just had dumb dismissals from guys that just should know better.We’ve got to stop doing it boys.We need to be smarter.” The captain pauses, staring at the floor, still in disbelief at what he’s just witnessed from his charges.He shakes his head. “It’s just really disappointing.” “I take my lead from something Darren Lehmann always used to say when he coached me,” says Christian, as he reflects on his leadership style. “Darren always used to say ‘don’t make the same mistake twice’. So I just try to get across to our guys that as long as they’re not doing that, we’ll be alright.” Christian’s role as the leader of the T20 side extends far further than delivering dressing-room diatribes. His astute on-field captaincy has marshalled the Outlaws through the most successful white-ball period in their history, reaching three of the last four Finals Days. And he admits that one role model above all others has shaped his approach to leadership. “I’ve taken bits from everyone who’s captained me, but tactically, Michael Clarke was the best I played under,” he says. “I played under him for New South Wales, and he was skipper when I made my ODI andT20I debuts. “He was a brilliant tactical captain, he read the game very well and he was always very positive. “That’s something I’ve tried to take from him. “Even if you’re doing something that’s a little out of the ordinary, or you’re bowling a guy that’s a bit of a risk, I was always told you’ve got to be prepared to lose a game to win a game. “I try to stick to that philosophy, but you have to adapt differently depending on the different styles of players you come across. “It definitely helps to have experienced players in your side – and with the likes of Harry (Gurney), Alex (Hales) and Samit (Patel), there’s always been a really strong list here.” DAN CHRISTIAN “I WAS ALWAYS TOLD YOU’VE GOT TO BE PREPARED TO LOSE A GAME TO WIN A GAME... I TRY TO STICK TO THAT PHILOSOPHY.” Dan Christian