Big Bash star Chris Lynn says he doesn’t want to be next Tomic after securing huge IPL deal

BIG Bash superstar Chris Lynn has admitted he is walking a fine line between life-changing riches, a career-threatening injury and becoming Australia’s next Bernard Tomic.

Chris Lynn walks after he is caught out against the Renegades at the Gabba.

BIG Bash superstar Chris Lynn has admitted he is walking a fine line between life-changing riches, a career-threatening injury and becoming Australia’s next Bernard Tomic.

While the Brisbane Heat are regretting a failed BBL campaign, Lynn can take solace in the $1.86 million Indian Premier League deal he secured on Saturday.

The six-hitting specialist was retained by Kolkata Knight Riders for the 2018 IPL, earning the highest bid for an Aussie in this year’s auction.

Following years of shoulder injuries, Lynn is finally set to cash in on his incredible batting talent, but he must first make it to the subcontinent in April unscathed.

The 27-year-old returned from a calf injury in the Heat’s season-ending loss to the Renegades on Saturday, however he is still far from full fitness.

Lynn has been banned from diving in the field to protect his healing shoulder and must make it through the upcoming Twenty20 series against England and New Zealand.

The IPL could make him Lynn-sanely rich over the next decade but he is reluctant to head down the same path as maligned tennis star Tomic.

Chris Lynn does not want to be Australia’s next Bernard Tomic. Pic: Michael Klein

“It’s not all about the money but it is life changing,” Lynn said.

“I want to go there and play the best cricket I can and try and dominate in India. I had a pretty good season last year but I want to try and dominate all the way around the world.

“It’s a little bit of a reward from last year. It’s very wealthy. I’m glad I got a bit of it.

“You never want to get too far ahead of yourself because if you’re someone like Bernard Tomic you get shot down pretty quickly, don’t you?

“I’ve got to keep the body right because you don’t get paid if you don’t go. I might go to Bunnings and buy a s***load of cotton wool.”

Lynn’s challenge now is performing admirably in the national colours while protecting his healing body.

His top score in five T20 appearances for Australia is 33 not out and while representing your country is an honour, it does not come with the lucrative pay cheques of franchise cricket.

“My shoulder is getting there but it’s not 100 per cent and probably won’t be for another 12 months if I’m being honest,” he said.

“I’m just starting to throw on my left side (natural throwing arm) now but it’s not something I’m going to rush.

Chris Lynn walks after he is caught out against the Renegades at the Gabba.

“If I do there’s no point in having the surgery in the first place. They are small steps but I’m confident in how I’m going.

“They (Australia) are comfortable with where my body is at the moment. They are comfortable with me not throwing or diving in the field. Hopefully I score more with the bat.”

While Lynn will join the Australian set up this week, the T20 season is over for his Heat teammates following their fourth straight loss.

If the Heat are to be successful next summer they must improve in all facets of the game.

“We probably let 20 runs more with the ball (than ideal), gave them momentum heading into our batting innings and it stemmed from there,” Lynn said.

“I know we’re a much better outfit. When we play good cricket we win games and when we play great we blow teams out of the park.

“We’ve got that x-factor but it wasn’t there.”

Originally published as Big Bash star Chris Lynn says he doesn’t want to be next Tomic after securing huge IPL deal