BBL 2018-19: Chris Lynn to lead Brisbane Heat

Hard-hitting Australian batsman Chris Lynn will take up the captain’s mantle once again in the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) in his home country. The Brisbane Heat confirmed the news ahead of their opening game in the league against defending champions Adelaide Strikers at home on December 19 and Lynn, who will be leading after three seasons, said he was looking forward to it.

Lynn was at the helm of the Heat in the 2015-16 edition and it was a contrasting experience for the Queensland basher. While he himself got the Player of the Tournament award, his team ended up at the bottom of the table. He was also the captain of Queensland in the JLT limited-overs tournament earlier this year and guided his side to the semi-finals.

“I really enjoyed the experience I had as Heat captain previously and likewise with Queensland. Leadership is something I have enjoyed since I was a young bloke starting out and I’m confident I am ready to handle it in the BBL,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Lynn, 28, who has played four ODIs and 18 T20Is for Australia, as saying. “We have got a settled squad with talent to burn and I can’t wait to get into the season and have a go.”

Lynn is the Heat’s highest run-getter with a tally of 1,560 and is the only batsman to hit over 100 sixes in the BBL. The cricketer is also a sought-after name in T20 tournaments across the globe with teams like Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League and Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League featuring him in their quest for quality performances.

Former captain McCullum welcomes Lynn’s elevation

Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who led the Heat in 2017, welcomed the move of making Lynn his successor. “Having Lynny as captain is right on the money. He’s a senior player with lots of expertise and has been part of winning teams and successful clubs all over the world,” McCullum said, adding that the Australian is “more than ready as skipper” and will help the Heat play exciting and fearless cricket in the upcoming season.

Heat’s head coach Daniel Vettori said the appointment of Lynn as the captain was in the works for some time.

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