BBL: Chris Lynn Named Captain Of Brisbane Heat

Big Bash League outfit Brisbane Heat, on Monday, announced Chris Lynn as their captain for the upcoming season. The hard-hitting batsman replaces former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum as the captain of the team.

Lynn is not new to captaincy, having led the franchise three seasons ago. He led Brisbane Heat during the 2015-16 season when he was named Player of the Tournament. But while he excelled with the bat, his captaincy cut a sorry figure. The Heat finished the season as wooden spoon holders. Lynn had also been at the helm of Queensland’s campaign in the JLT one-day cup earlier this season, when they made it to the semi-finals.

Heat’s performance in the last season was equally disappointing. They finished seventh in the eight-team tournament after managing to win just 4 of the 10 games.

Heat will be desperately hoping that their fortunes change when Lynn takes over. The Australia star is their all-time leading run-scorer with 1560 at 41.05 and a strike-rate of 158.21, with one century and 12 fifties. He is also the only batsman to hit 100 sixes in the competition.

“I really enjoyed the experience I had as Heat captain previously and likewise with Queensland. Leadership is something I have enjoyed since I was a young bloke starting out and I’m confident I am ready to handle it in the BBL.

“We have got a settled squad with talent to burn and I can’t wait to get into the season and have a go,” said Lynn.

McCullum expressed his delight over the decision and said that the experienced T20 campaigner is ready to lead the team. One of the most sought-after T20 players, Lynn recently played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, Lahore Qalandars in the PSL and Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL.

“Having Lynny as captain is right on the money,” McCullum said. “He’s a senior player with lots of expertise and has been part of winning teams and successful clubs all over the world.

“I have enjoyed being able to tap into his thinking when I was captain and I know he is more than ready as skipper to enable us to play exciting, fearless cricket again this summer,” he added.

The Heat will play an intra-squad game on Wednesday in the Gold Coast as practice leading up to the new season of the BBL. They will kickstart their season against defending champions Adelaide Strikers on December 19 at the Gabba.