Unsung Australian attracts $900,000

BANGALORE: Little-known Australian all-rounder Daniel Christian set the pace on the final day of the Indian Premier League auction after he was bought for $900,000 by the Deccan Chargers. Christian, who had a reserve price of $50,000, has played just three Twenty20 internationals but has performed well recently in domestic games.

The opening day of auction saw 15 players bought for over $1 million. The second-highest earner in the morning session was Indian paceman Umesh Yadav, who went to Delhi Daredevils for $750,000, followed by compatriot Munaf Patel, bought by Mumbai Indians for $700,000.

Australia fast-bowler Shaun Tait went to Rajasthan Royals at his reserve price of $300,000. Sri Lankan veteran Sanath Jayasuriya, Australian Peter Siddle, and England’s Ashes heroes Ian Bell and Tim Bresnan were among the unsold players, who can come up for rebidding at the end of the auction.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10^th, 2011.