Big Bash star Chris Lynn’s move to Adelaide pays immediate dividends

The all-time leading six-hitter in BBL history didn’t have a home until Adelaide scooped him up and Chris Lynn has paid them back.

Chris Lynn was an instant hit for the Strikers. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

The addition of superstar slugger Chris Lynn to the Adelaide Strikers is like “having another captain” and his influence was telling in their first-up win on Wednesday night.

Adelaide opener Matt Short hailed the influence of boom recruit Lynn, who belted 41 runs, including two sixes, in a 51-run win against the Sydney Sixers on Wednesday night and shared in a 95-run partnership with Short that set up the victory.

Lynn’s impact with the bat is unsurprising, but the intangible qualities that he brings after 11 seasons with the Brisbane Heat are also helping make his teammates better, says Short, who topscored with 84.

“It’s awesome to have him here not only for what he brings as a player but for his leadership,” Short said.

“He guided me through my innings.

“Having him out on the field is like having another captain.

“It’s awesome to add his experience to the group.”

That experience was vital at a critical juncture in the clash when Short had been given out by the umpire in the second over after a huge LBW shout by Sean Abbott.

Chris Lynn receives his Strikers cap from Peter Siddle. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

The opener had made just one run at that point but survived to torment the Sixers after Lynn convinced him to use the decision review system, which was introduced to the BBL this season, for the first time.

“I thought it was probably going to hit or at least be ‘umpire’s call’, so it was good to have Lynny down the other end because he said to go for (the review),” Short said.

“Even with the replays I thought it was maybe hitting the stumps … I’m a bit lucky to get away with that one.”

Adelaide will have Lynn and superstar spinner Rashid Khan for 11 and eight games respectively this campaign before they head off to other T20 commitments overseas.

The Strikers, who lost seven of their first eight games last season before a barnstorming finals run, are intent on making the most of the pair’s talents to set up a solid foundation for a title run.

“We’ve definitely spoken about that,” Short said.

“About getting off to good starts and getting wins on the board early just to help us set up the tournament at the back end.”

The Strikers are back in action against the Thunder in Sydney on Friday night.

Originally published as Big Bash star Chris Lynn’s move to Adelaide pays immediate dividends