| Player: | DT Christian |
Haslingden have signed News South Wales all rounder Dan Christian as professional for the 2007 season.
The 23 year-old has yet to make his First-class debut, but he has played regularly for his state in One day matches this season. In ten matches he has 256 runs at 28.4. In the KFC Twenty20 he has 6 wickets with a best of 3-38 with his right arm medium paced bowling.
Haslingden Chairman Mark Rothwell said: 'We are absolutely delighted to have secured the services of Dan Christian. He is a genuine all rounder who has been an ever present this season in New South Wales' one day team. He comes highly recommended to us by Geoff Lawson who describes him as a future Australia player. He is a very aggressive batsman, bowls at a lively pace and is an excellent fielder. We are looking forward to him making a significant impact in the League this season'.
Christian will be Haslingden's 13th Australian professional, the first being the great Dennis Lillee in 1971. In recent years, the club hasn't had the best of luck with pro's from Down Under with Andrew McDonald and Jerry Cassell both returning home injured early in the season.
The all rounder is not without international pedigree, having played in the Group stages for the Australian Under 19s World Cup winning side in 2001-2. Christian replaces Tama Canning whose sudden retirement from the First-class scene left Haslingden with no option other than to look elsewhere.
Three sides are yet to announce signings - Lowerhouse, Bacup and East Lancs with the season due to start eight weeks this coming Sunday.