Chris Lynn named in Brisbane Heat's playing XI for BBL 7 opener

The much-awaited Big Bash League (BBL) season 7 kicks off today, with the opener between Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers, at the Sydney Showground Stadium. The Queensland based franchise Brisbane Heat will play their first match tomorrow against the Brendon Mc Cullum led Melbourne Stars. And the Brisbane franchise hopes to start with good fortunes as their marquee player Chris Lynn looks set to make his highly-anticipated return from injury.

Lynn, who underwent a surgery in July was named in Brisbane’s Playing XI for their opener on Wednesday at the Gabba. The Queenslander played just five matches in the previous edition before being struck down by injury, but his 309 runs at an average of 154.50 – which included 26 sixes – was enough to see him crowned the player of the tournament.

Earlier this week, Heat skipper Brendon McCullum said he was hopeful Lynn would suit up for the clash against the Stars but is also wary of risking his star too soon. McCullum said, “He’s one of the biggest excitement machines going around; he hits the ball miles, wins games single-handedly and the Brisbane Boss, as he is affectionately known amongst the team, is excited to be back,”

He added, “We’re hopeful (he’ll play on Wednesday), but it’s hard because you don’t win the comp in December, you win it in mid-January and we need him them.”

Brisbane Heat to bear a new look in BBL 07

The team has undergone quite a few changes and will bear a new look in the upcoming season. Experienced paceman Josh Lalor also returns for the Heat, having missed the bulk of BBL 06 with a side strain, while Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan will make his BBL debut for the club.

Son of former Queensland allrounder Scott Prestwidge, speedster Jack Prestwidge has been named as an injury replacement for allrounder Cameron Valente, who is recovering from a bruised foot.