Dan Christian & Ben McDermott: Notts and Derbyshire lose key players for T20 Blast
- Published
Dan Christian led Notts Outlaws to victory in the 2017 and 2020 T20 Blast finals
Notts Outlaws and Derbyshire have suffered setbacks on the eve of the 2021 T20 Blast with Dan Christian and Ben McDermott called up by Australia.
Notts say T20 skipper Christian, 38, will miss the Blast's entire group stage to play in Australia's limited-overs series in the West Indies.
Fellow all-rounder Steven Mullaney will captain the 2020 Blast winners instead.
Derbyshire do not expect wicketkeeper-batsman McDermott, 26, to play for them again this season.
"We've begun enquiries to find a replacement, but it's difficult at this late stage before the T20 and with a busy international schedule," said head of cricket Dave Houghton.
"This is professional cricket and these things happen."
The pair are among six players added to Australia's preliminary squad for the tour, taking the total to 29, and both are to leave the UK as soon as possible.
They will then complete quarantine before the squad is finalised prior to departure for the Caribbean on 28 June.
"Getting picked by Australia again is a significant ambition fulfilled for sure, and particularly exciting in such an important year of T20 cricket heading into the World Cup," said Christian, who last played for Australia in 2017.
Notts head coach Peter Moores has not confirmed whether the Outlaws will try to find a replacement for Christian.
"It's going to be strange not having Dan around. He's been here for every Blast campaign since 2015 and he's led the side brilliantly as well, but what it will do is create opportunities for other players to step up," Moores said.
Meanwhile McDermott is the second Derbyshire overseas signing this season to see his stint cut short, after fellow Australian Billy Stanlake sustained an injury in his first game for the club.
Derbyshire & Notts make signings
Derbyshire have signed former Hampshire batsman Harry Came on a deal until the end of the 2023 season.
The 22-year-old was released by Hampshire, external last year after five first-class appearances and comes into the Falcons squad to face Lancashire Lightning in their T20 Blast opener on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Notts have signed leg-spinning all-rounder Calvin Harrison, 23, on a three-month deal after impressing on trial and in the club's second team.
The Outlaws begin their T20 Blast campaign on Wednesday at 2018 champions Worcestershire Rapids.