CT 2017: Chris Lynn hoping to make the most out of the opportunities

Australian hard-hitting batsman Chris Lynn has made a name for himself ever since he has broken on the international circuit. This season, he has made more news than ever before. In his most recent stint for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, Lynn’s heroics as the opener of the team were hailed by many. Soon, he found himself in the Australian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.

In no time, he was in the reckoning for a place in the top order. For someone who has traditionally been seen as a pinch hitter, suddenly has emerged as a pure batsman. Now, Chris Lynn is all set to make an impact in the mega event. Lynn will be getting into the tournament after he had a shoulder injury midway through the IPL. In a recent chat with his teammate Glenn Maxwell for cricket.com.au, he reflected at the various prospects of the CT 2017.

He admitted that when the injury happened, he was scared at the prospect of missing the Champions Trophy. But he was determined to get back to fitness. He had a very good rehab in India and now feels fit again. He believes that staying back in India despite the injury was the best decision he ever made.

“It was the first thing that crossed my mind – possibly not being able to represent Australia in this Champions Trophy. But hard work pays off, and now that I’m here I’m hoping to make the most of my opportunities and we’ll see what happens,” quoted Chris Lynn.

IPL playing the ideal platform

“It was a long couple of weeks in India, I really smacked the rehab, so the body’s feeling good and I’m ready to hit the ground running. The best decision I made was staying over there after the injury – being around the boys and giving myself the best opportunity to get to the Champions Trophy. That’s paid off,” he added further.

He further added that hitting the runs in India in the IPL is something that helped him a lot. He wishes to do the same for Australia in the upcoming tournament as well. “I went out there and scored a few runs which is always a positive; getting back out there and whacking the ball over the fence is what I love doing, so I’m going to try and do that hopefully for Australia over the next three weeks,” he quoted.

Thankful to selectors

Chris Lynn also reflected back in time when he had made his ODI debut at Gabba. However, he failed to hold on to his position in the playing eleven. Frequent injuries saw him being in and out of the team. Lynn pointed out that he found himself in the ODI squad for CT 2017 despite not having played the domestic 50 over competition for quite some time now.

“It was obviously great to make my debut at the Gabba. I hit a little hurdle with the neck injury, but it was good to get some time in the middle in the IPL – then believe it or not, I hit another hurdle. I haven’t played Matador Cup for about four years now, so thank you to the selectors for getting me (to the Champions Trophy),” he mentioned.

Lastly, he conceded that the players in the team camp are all fresh and raring to go in the tournament. They are eagerly waiting for their first match of the tournament on June 2. “Everyone’s topping up now, from the IPL and (training at the National Cricket Centre in) Brisbane. We’re on autopilot a little bit but come the first game on June 2, it’s time to push the button,” Chris Lynn conceded.