Aussie X-Factor's unfinished business

With just a single one-day international under his belt and sidelined with another upper body injury, the last person to expect Chris Lynn to be selected in Australia's Champions Trophy squad was Chris Lynn himself. 

Now given the opportunity again, he speaks passionately about proving himself on the international stage, and "making amends" for Australia.

Quick Single: Return looms closer for injured Lynn

"I had thought I was half a chance (of selection in the Champions Trophy squad) being 100 per cent fit, but once I got injured I thought I was next to no show," Lynn told cricket.com.au having last month been named in Australia's Champions Trophy squad.

"But obviously I've been doing everything I can to get back. Right now, I can't wait to get back for Kolkata (Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League).

"If I'm going to play any sort of role in that Champions Trophy I've got to get some cricket under my belt first. That's what I'm looking to do now so I'll know whether I can perform well for Australia over in England in a couple of weeks."

Lynn took the first major step towards that goal overnight, batting in a Kolkata net session for the first time since dislocating his shoulder in the field last month. 

The session "felt pretty good", increasing his confidence he'll be fit to make a return for his IPL franchise ahead of the tournament's finals series, and then primed for the switch to 50-over cricket. 

Last summer provided a whirlwind introduction to ODIs for Lynn. 

The Queenslander generated a groundswell of public support baying for his inclusion in the national side after dominating the KFC Big Bash League as one half of the Brisbane Heat's 'Bash Brothers'.

Quick Single: Lyon ready to cross enemy lines

With 309 runs in just five matches, and a season-leading 26 sixes, Lynn's case was irresistible. 

The six-hitting sensation received his maiden ODI cap in front of the Gabba faithful against Pakistan. He showed glimpses of what he could do, creaming one monster six before his innings was cut short on 16. 

The experience was bittersweet, and not only because scans showed he'd been playing with a serious neck injury which ruled him out of the international summer.

While there was pride at an international debut, Lynn was ultimately frustrated he hadn't shown his best on the biggest stage. Lessons were learned, and he insists he'll be better for it.

"There was a lot of hype around BBL at the time. If anything, I got caught up in that a fraction," the 27-year-old admits.

"What I learned is to take every game on its merits. No matter how good of form you're in or whatever stage you're at, you've still got to start again as a batsman. 

"Getting used to going through the gears in one-day cricket is vital. You can't try and clear the pickets every time as you do in a T20."

Quick Single: The Big Four hurdles in front of Zampa

As hard-working and determined a cricketer as you'll find, it's impossible to overstate the pride Lynn felt at making an ODI debut in front of friends and family.

"Just soaking up the atmosphere of your debut in front of your home crowd … that was pretty special," he says. 

"But I've done that and learned from that, I'm a more experienced player now.

"It would have been awesome if I had of smacked a quick 50 or something, but it wasn't to be. It gives me that hunger to go again next time. 

"I've got to try and dominate the white ball on the international stage rather than just domestic T20 competitions.

"I'm going (to England) to score some runs, play that X-factor role.

"First things first, let me get through a couple of games (in the IPL) and then make amends for Australia over in England."

Champions Trophy 2017 Guide

Squads: Every Champions Trophy squad named so far

Group A: Australia, New Zealand, England, Bangladesh.

Group B: India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan.

Schedule

Warm-up matches

26 May – Australia v Sri Lanka, The Oval

27 May – Bangladesh v Pakistan, Edgbaston

28 May – India v New Zealand, The Oval

29 May – Australia v Pakistan, Edgbaston

30 May – New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Edgbaston

30 May – Bangladesh vs India, The Oval

Tournament

1 June – England v Bangladesh, The Oval (Day)

2 June – Australia v New Zealand, Edgbaston (D)

3 June – Sri Lanka v South Africa, The Oval (D)

4 June – India v Pakistan, Edgbaston (D)

5 June – Australia v Bangladesh, The Oval (D/N)

6 June – England v New Zealand, Cardiff (D)

7 June – Pakistan v South Africa, Edgbaston (D/N)

8 June – India v Sri Lanka, The Oval (D)

9 June – New Zealand v Bangladesh, Cardiff (D)

10 June – England v Australia, Edgbaston (D)

11 June – India v South Africa, The Oval (D)

12 June – Sri Lanka v Pakistan, Cardiff (D)

14 June – First semi-final (A1 v B2), Cardiff (D)

15 June – Second semi-final (A2 v B1), Edgbaston (D)

18 June – Final, The Oval (D)

19 June – Reserve day (D)