Chris Lynn Queensland cricket contract: Australian World Cup defence receives huge boost

Angus Reid

Chris Lynn Queensland cricket contract: Australian World Cup defence receives huge boost image

In a huge coup for the domestic cricket scene, master blaster Chris Lynn has signed a contract with Queensland that will allow him to play in this season's JLT one-day cup.

While that may not seem surprising, Lynn hasn't actually donned the Bulls' one-day colours in five years.

This news that Lynn is likely to feature in our premier domestic competition will bring a smile to coach Justin Langer's face, considering Australia begin their World Cup defence in less than 12 months time in the UK.

Lynn is one of Australia's marquee short-form players but hasn't played as many games for his country as anyone would like due to countless injuries.

MORE: Australia coach Justin Langer handed T20 selection role

The 28-year-old's last outing for Australia left him with a dislocated shoulder. Lynn dived for a ball during the Aussies' short-form tour of New Zealand back in February and was ruled out for the remainder of the series. You can see the incident in the video player below.

Lynn returned in the IPL for the Kolkata Knight Riders where he played 16 matches and scored 491 runs at an average of over 32 while having a top score of 74.

Highlights of his ridiculous 74 off 41 balls can be seen below.

Lynn wasn't considered for Langer's first tour as national coach when the Aussies travelled to the UK to play England in five ODIs and a one-off T20I.

Australia lost all six matches against their fierce rivals, and fitness permitting, Langer is clearly keen to get Lynn into the coloured clothing ahead of the World Cup next year.

"As an opposition coach, he's the player I'm most scared of," Langer told SEN.

"So when we play against Brisbane Heat, or we play against Queensland, I get very nervous. 

"They're the ones you like to have in your team. 

"Of course, he needs to get himself fit – I think he's seeing the surgeon when he gets back from the IPL."

Lynn is receiving constant treatment on his shoulder as the cricket season descends upon us, and he couldn't be more excited to get back into the Queensland system considering he hasn't played in the one-day cup for his state since late 2013.

“It’s been a few years since I have been a part of the group for the limited overs competition so I’m looking forward to getting involved and hopefully help us to play some good cricket,’’ Lynn said.

“I’ve enjoyed training with the boys in the off-season and am keen to get into the playing side of things again, first with the Knight Riders in the CPL and then the JLT Cup.”

Fox Sports' dedicated cricket channel will broadcast 13 JLT one-day cup matches this season.

The reason a spot became available on the Bulls' roster is due to all-rounder Jason Floros stepping down from his role in the side to focus on studies. 

Lynn has the capacity to be a game-winner anytime he takes to the field, it's just a matter of being fit enough to actually make himself available for selection.

The batsman has played just the single ODI for Australia back in January 2017 when he only made 16 against Pakistan. 

Putting injuries aside, former one-day specialist and current Fox Sports cricket overlord Adam Gilchrist knows how integral Lynn is to the Australian setup.

“I think Chris Lynn is a must for Australian white ball cricket teams,” Gilchrist told The Daily Telegraph.

“From what I’ve witnessed in England, the way England are just based on power and intent. It’s really about strength and power and their ability to get it to or over the rope almost at will or just whenever required.

“I think Chris Lynn fits into that and I’d be really keen to see him — the asterisk, of course, being his fitness and his shoulder issues.”

It's easy to see why Gilly has that opinion of the Queenslander.

Steve Smith and David Warner are likely to be back in the Australian camp just before the World Cup takes place, but Lynn needs to be part of the setup now so his confidence and fitness levels can allow him to dominate in England.

His country also needs him.

Since January 2017, Australia has played in 18 completed ODIs. The current World Cup holders have only won two of those games.

 

Your country needs you, Chris.

The next time you will see Lynn play is in the Caribbean Premier League where Smith and Warner will also feature. Lynn will line-up alongside Bash Brother Brendon McCullum for the Trinbago Knight Riders, whereas Smith will play with Barbados Trident and Warner with St Lucia Stars.

Lynn and Warner will go head-to-head on August 9.

 

Angus Reid

Angus Reid Photo