Chris Lynn picked for Sri Lanka series despite injury
Chris Lynn picked for Australia T20 squad for the series against Sri Lanka despite still recovering from a neck injury. The big-hitter has been named in the 13-man squad but will face further fitness tests ahead of the three-match series starting on 17 February in Melbourne.
With Australia’s Test side preparing for the series in India, veteran Michael Klinger, Billy Stanlake, Jyhe Richardson and Ashton Turner are in line for T20 international debuts after being named in a squad to be led by Aaron Finch.
Wicketkeeper Tim Paine also returns to the international set-up as Australia look to improve their current T20 ranking of sixth in the world.
“With a number of our frontline players preparing for the India Test series, we have chosen a squad with a good blend of experience combined with several younger players in an effort to improve our performance,” chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said.
“The influence of younger players in this squad also gives us the opportunity to look forward to the ICC World T20, which is being hosted here in Australia in 2020.
“The overall standards being set in the BBL are very high and many of these players are making a good impression, but consistency was key for the selectors on this occasion.”
Hohns said the selection of 36-year-old Klinger was just reward for his performances. “He has been a very good player in this form of the game for some time now,” Hohns said.
“He has a history of strong performances in T20 competitions in the UK and in the BBL, including the match-winning innings for the Perth Scorchers to secure this year’s BBL title.”
Hohns said Lynn would visit a specialist later this week, with the outcome to determine his part in the series.
Australia meet the Sri Lankans in Melbourne on 17 February, in Geelong two days later and in Adelaide on 22 February.
Australian squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Patrick Cummins, James Faulkner, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Michael Klinger, Chris Lynn, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.