Chris Green named acting captain of Thunder

Chris Green described his selection as Sydney Thunder’s Acting Captain for the start of this summer’s KFC Big Bash League as a “tremendous honour".

The 28-year-old all-rounder will lead the team while Usman Khawaja is away as a member Australia’s Ashes squad. Green said he’d draw upon his lessons from playing under a host of inspiring leaders.

“My view on captaincy, and what makes a good leader, has evolved from playing and observing others,” said Green, who was a member of Thunder’s BBL|05 championship winning team.

“Someone who stands out for me in the modern game is [England, and former Thunder player,] Eoin Morgan.

“I was also fortunate to play under the likes of Mike Hussey, Shane Watson, Brendon McCullum – each of them has shaped the way I lead.

“The key thing that stands out is the calmness and coolness they displayed under pressure – and that’s something Callum Ferguson was also very good at - when they spoke to their teammates and bowlers in ‘the moment’.

“You need to be very level-headed, and make best decisions under pressure.”

Green, who is second behind fast bowler Dan Sams as Thunder’s highest wicket taker with 46, and at an economy rate of 7.40, said there were many reasons why being named Acting Captain meant a lot to him.

“It’s a tremendous honour,” he said. “Thunder is the club that gave my first opportunity . . . I was selected to play for them from grade cricket . . . so to get this accolade while Usman is away is a good challenge.

“I have a good group of guys around me, and I know they’ll help and support me; good mates on the field . . . I’m looking forward to it. I have a big role to play, some big shoes to fill in Usman’s absence but I believe we have the squad to do some tremendous things.

“I want us to be in a good place when Usman returns.”

Green said he would draw upon his experience as captain of last year’s Guyana Amazon Warriors team in the T20 Caribbean Premier League.

“I learnt it’s about surrounding yourself with some guys who can read the game really well and who’ll provide support,” he said.

“When I chatted to Mike Hussey [after being named captain of Guyana] he said when you perform your skill during a match it’s important to put your captain’s cap down on the bench whenever you bowl or bat because - at that particular moment - you need to contribute to the team with that skill.

“We also have some quality senior players at Thunder . . . for instance, having a player of Sam Billings’ calibre behind the stumps, and my enjoying a really good relationship with him, is going to work in the team’s favour.”

“I don’t want my being Acting Captain to change who I am, or how I play. I’m someone who enjoys the game, plays with a smile on my face, and that’s what I’ll do when we play against Brisbane Heat on Monday in Canberra.”

Upon signing a long-term deal in 2019 which tied Green to Thunder until the end of BBL|13, he explained why it was his dream to be a one-team player.

“I get goosebumps every time I pull on the Thunder shirt," he said. "I absolutely love playing for Thunder. The unwavering support we get from our fans - the fact that they support us no matter what - is something that's really special to be a part of.”

CNSW Head of Male Cricket, Michael Klinger said Green had proven during his term as a Thunder player that he possessed the leadership skills – and more - that’s needed to take charge of a BBL team.

“Chris has been a long-term member of Thunder’s squad and has displayed a high level of leadership during this time,” said Klinger.

“He deserves his opportunity to be the Acting Captain for the Sydney Thunder while Usman is unavailable due to his Australian selection.”

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