BBL 2017/18: Chris Lynn to Start in Brisbane Heat Opening Clash

Hard-hitting batsman, Chris Lynn is all set to make his comeback from a shoulder injury after being named in Brisbane Heat’s squad for the KFC Big Bash League (BBL) opener against Melbourne Stars on Wednesday.

Lynn underwent an operation earlier this year in July after sustaining his third shoulder injury in the last two years before surprising everybody to be fit for the Wednesday’s encounter at the Gabba.

The 27-year-old Lynn featured in just five matches in the last edition of the BBL before getting knockdown by an injury, but his 309 runs at an average of 154.50 which included 26 sixes were enough to see him adjudged the player of the tournament.

Earlier this week, Heat skipper Brendon McCullum was confident about getting Lynn ready for the opener, however, he was wary of risking his star too soon.

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“He’s one of the biggest excitement machines going around; he hits the ball miles, wins games single-handedly and the Brisbane Boss, as he is affectionately known amongst the team, is excited to be back,” McCullum had stated earlier.

However, despite admitting his shoulder would not get to 100 percent, he was desperate to be fir for the season opener on December 20 earlier this month.

“I won’t be 100 percent fit for the Big Bash, but I know I’m good enough to play, and hopefully win games for the Heat. The docs didn’t give me that chance but I’ve been through this issue a couple of times now, and I know my own body better than anyone,” Lynn was heard saying to cricket.com.au.

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Josh Lalor also returns to Heat squad after missing the major part of BBL 06 due to a side strain. Pakistani leg-spinner Shadab Khan is also set to make his BBL debut for the Heats in the opener. However, Brisbane’s new signing Matt Renshaw did not get included in the squad.

Meanwhile, young fast pacer Jack Prestwidge got named as a replacement for injured all-rounder Cameron Valente, who is recovering from a bruised foot.

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The Melbourne Stars, on the other hand, have picked their squad for the clash with the Heat, with new captain John Hastings to take the reins for the first time. Star batsman Rob Quiney, who was their third highest run-scorer from the last BBL didn’t make it into the 13-man squad; however, international cricketers like Kevin Pietersen and Glenn Maxwell made their way to the squad.

The BBL kick starts on Tuesday evening with the Thunder locking horns with the Sixers in the Sydney Smash.

Brisbane Heat squad: Brendon McCullum (c), Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Brendon Doggett, Sam Heazlett, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Jimmy Peirson, Jack Prestwidge, Alex Ross, Shadab Khan, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson.

Melbourne Stars squad: John Hastings (c), Michael Beer, Scott Boland, Liam Bowe, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Glenn Maxwell, Kevin Pietersen, Marcus Stoinis, Luke Wright, Adam Zampa