Star batsman remains sidelined with a tight hamstring for Brisbane's first match of BBL|07 as the Stars elect to bowl first
Lynn not named for Heat's BBL opener
Chris Lynn's pledge to make an unlikely return for Brisbane Heat's KFC Big Bash League season opener has been scuppered at the eleventh hour by a hamstring complaint.
The six-hitting sensation underwent surgery in July after his third serious shoulder injury in the last two years and has sought to defy expectations in recovery to get himself back for Wednesday evening's clash with Melbourne Stars at the Gabba.
FOLLOW LIVE: Brisbane Heat v Melbourne StarsBut Heat captain Brendon McCullum, whose Melbourne Stars counterpart John Hastings won the toss and elected to bowl first, confirmed Lynn would miss Brisbane's first match of BBL|07 with a tight hamstring.
Earlier this week, McCullum said he was hopeful Lynn would suit up for the clash against the Stars – but was wary of risking his star too soon.
.@StarsBBL win the toss and bowl #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/ELSNF3XVSv%E2%80%94 KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 20, 2017
"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," McCullum said.
"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."
Lynn played just five matches in BBL|06 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.
Despite admitting his shoulder would never be 100 per cent after July's surgery, Lynn was hopeful earlier this month that he would be right to go for the start of the BBL.
"I won't be 100 per cent fit for the Big Bash," Lynn told cricket.com.au.
"But I know I'm good enough to play, and hopefully win games for the Heat.
"The docs didn't give me that chance.
"But I've been through this issue a couple of times now, and I know my own body better than anyone."
.@HeatBBL XI: Brendon McCullum (c), James Peirson (wk), Sam Heazlett, Joe Burns, Alex Ross, Ben Cutting, Shadan Khan, Mark Steketee, Josh Lalor, Brendon Doggett, Mitch Swepson #BBL07%E2%80%94 KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 20, 2017
.@StarsBBL XI: Ben Dunk (wk), Luke Wright, Kevin Pietersen, Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, John Hastings (c), Evan Gulbis, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Scott Boland, Michael Beer #BBL07%E2%80%94 KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 20, 2017