Chris Lynn has had a tough time of late, with a series of injuries in the last three years seeing him miss the majority of international games.
With Steve Smith and David Warner on the sidelines following the sandpaper saga, this was Lynn’s chance to stake a berth at three or four for the World Cup next year. But he has not been named in Australia’s ODI and T20 touring parties.
In international cricket a good fielding unit saves those 10-15 runs, but Lynn’s injuries have seen his fielding drop right off and could have let the team down.
His IPL form is decent – 277 runs in ten innings at a strike rate of 133 – and his $1.86 million Kolkata deal is the biggest among all Australian players in the IPL. His franchise even looked at making him the captain but injuries put an end to that.
The UK and Zimbabwe could have been easy territory for the 28-year-old to resume his international career, as bigger challenges await in the UAE and against India back home.
In a comeback, poor performances shatter confidence, and the Aussie selectors are not a patient lot – the likes of Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell have been dropped after a few bad innings.
Though he is young, considering that he no longer plays first-class cricket, the window of opportunity for Lynn to make the World Cup will close once Smith and Warner return.
However, he shouldn’t be seen as just a T20 specialist, as was on display in Big Bash 2017. Australia’s ODI team against England lacked the firepower in the middle order. Lynn’s experience and expertise was what the doctor ordered.
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
True.Australia has many fit & healthy cricketer waiting in the wings for the opportunity.In a era where catches win matches and a team which has set the bar as far as fielding goes .That could be so un- Australian for them to be so.
BurgyGreen
Guest
He said recently that he cannot dive at all because the chance of doing his shoulder again is so high. In international white ball cricket you have to be an incredibly good batsman to be worth a spot if you are so badly restricted in the field. I can definitely understand the selectors not being interested.
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
Yes if you are good test player you shouldn't have problem adapting to any format.It could take time but player can do it.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
In the IPL his technique was analysed and you could see his bat lift was much lower. It is amazing to think that he is batting around 70-80% capacity and is still very good.
JamesH
Roar Guru
That was already the case this summer and they still picked him, even with Warner in the side too. He's shown enough fitness in the IPL to be in the T20 squad. Bizarre decision to leave him out.
Paul
Roar Guru
you can't exactly hide him in the slips!
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Yeah he's got get both his shoulders right. Obviously representing your country certainly a bigger expectation on being able to contribute in the field and at this point in time, Lynn can barely even throw a ball. So significant barrier right there.
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
Yes true
Paul
Roar Guru
He needs to get fully fit and stay that way to be considered for international cricket, otherwise he's a liability to the squad. Pretty simple.