Brisbane Heat captain Chris Lynn hoping to use Big Bash League as audition for T20 World Cup
Chris Lynn remains driven to regain his spot in Australia’s Twenty20 team for next year’s World Cup and the Brisbane Heat captain plans to make a point to selectors in BBL09.
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Chris Lynn has not given up hope of playing for Australia in next year’s Twenty20 World Cup after smoking the peace pipe with chief selector Trevor Hohns.
But the Brisbane Heat’s six-hitting machine insists he won’t be disappointed if his international career is over after deciding to become a Twenty20 tournament specialist.
Lynn, 29, will no longer play first class red ball or 50-over cricket, instead focusing on lucrative short-form tournaments around the world.
The straight-shooting Lynn took a shot at Hohns and Australia’s selection system after he was overlooked for T20 series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan leading into this summer.
Lynn, who has failed to reach 50 in 22 white-ball national appearances, criticised the lack of communication from selectors, prompting Hohns to contact the Heat captain.
Next year’s T20 World Cup will be hosted in Australia and could be Lynn’s last opportunity to play for his country in the tournament, which is generally played biyearly but was last held in 2016.
Lynn will lead the Heat in Tuesday night’s Big Bash season opener against the Sydney Thunder at the Gabba and said his task was simple.
“The message was pretty clear – score buckets of runs and reassess after Big Bash,” Lynn said.
“It is a tough industry. It’s the 11 best cricketers in Australia. Just because you miss out on a couple of series you’re never out of it.
“I’ll do what I can control and see where I’m at. If I’m there it will be great but if not it’s not the end of the world.
“It’s obviously a goal, but I’ve got a pretty good life away from playing for Australia.
“If it happens that’s great. I will work my arse off to make that squad, but I’m not one to get overly disappointed if I don’t make it.
“I was an Australian cricket fan growing up and got the opportunity to play for the Australian cricket team. Now I’m not in the set up I’m still a fan and always will be.”
Lynn’s immediate focus is on the Thunder and Thursday’s Indian Premier League auction.
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Lynn was recently cut by the Kolkata Knight Riders for next year’s tournament despite having a year to run on his $1.8 million contract.
The Knight Riders are now coached by Lynn’s close friend, former Heat captain Brendon McCullum, and could sign him at the auction for a reduced rate.
“I was released by Kolkata – I had one more year but they can cut you after each year,” Lynn said.
“I was a little bit disappointed but I think I did see it coming. They’ve got a new coaching staff and had a bit of a clean-out this year.
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“Talking to Brendon McCullum, I was on a big packet there. I understand. It frees them up at the auction to have a better balanced side. They can always buy me back as well.
“There’s no point getting bitter about it. I have good mates in that franchise so there’s no point destroying those relationships because they’re more important to me.
“I get one opportunity to put my name in lights again (before the auction). All I can do is score runs. Hopefully a few guys fancy me.”
Lynn warmed up for the BBL by dominating a T10 tournament in Abu Dhabi, scoring 91 runs off 30 balls in one innings.
He was back in action over the weekend for club side Toombul.
Originally published as Brisbane Heat captain Chris Lynn hoping to use Big Bash League as audition for T20 World Cup
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