Langer responds to Lynn comments ahead of first T20

Coach Justin Langer says Chris Lynn is "crystal clear" on the reasons for his non-selection in Australia’s T20 squad to face Sri Lanka and Pakistan, but added that the proliferation of global T20 leagues has necessitated a major shift in thinking from national selectors.

Lynn was one of several big names overlooked for the upcoming Gillette T20 INTLs, starting against Sri Lanka on Sunday, joining D’Arcy Short and Marcus Stoinis out of the squad following the returns of David Warner and Steve Smith.

On Tuesday, Lynn expressed his disappointment at the lack of communication from selectors over his omission, saying he found out about it on social media.

The Queenslander hasn’t played international cricket since last November and having been overlooked for the one-day World Cup this year, and the T20 internationals in India that preceded it, Langer said he’d already spoken to the big-hitting 29-year-old.

"It’s not for public (consumption) … but he and I are crystal clear about why he wasn’t in the World Cup squad and therefore the T20s (in India) leading up to that,” Langer told SEN.

"He’s got another really good opportunity. We know how dynamic he is, he has an unbelievable Big Bash record and I can’t wait to see how he goes this (season).

"When you’ve got openers like David Warner and Aaron Finch, we’ve got Steve Smith coming back in and you’ve got Glenn Maxwell, it’s really competitive.

"He’s going to have to force one of those guys out and to do that, you’ve got to perform. Not just domestically but internationally. Performance is crucial and I’m looking forward to seeing if he and other guys can force their way into the side."

Traditionally, national selectors will inform players of their omission from a squad if they had been part of the most recent series of matches in that particular format.

When announcing Australia’s squad earlier this month, selector Hohns was open that he hadn’t spoken to Lynn, who spends much of his year playing T20 tournaments around the world.

"We haven't considered him at the moment," Hohns said. "Chris isn't playing any cricket locally or within Australia. Sure he's been travelling the world playing T20 cricket.

"If he performs well in the upcoming Big Bash, of course we can revisit that. I haven't spoken to Chris at all yet. To be honest, I don't know if he's in the country."

The cancellation of the Euro and Afghanistan T20 leagues this year means Lynn has played just seven T20 matches in Canada since the end of the Indian Premier League in early May. He’s also not a part of Queensland’s one-day side for the Marsh Cup and will return to competitive action for the Prime Minister’s XI against Sri Lanka on Thursday night before taking part in next month’s T10 League in the UAE.

On Tuesday, Lynn said he had no problem with being overlooked, but wanted better communication from selectors.

"It's just to think being the chairman of selectors, he would have an idea of where you're at or what you're playing, but that doesn't seem to be the case," he told AAP.

"Every player knows where they sit, but that little confirmation whether it's good or bad is something.

"JL (Langer) is big on honesty, so hopefully that filters through to the coaches and players, but also selectors."

Langer said the number of T20 leagues around the world has made it harder for selectors to stay abreast of exactly how every cricketer is performing outside of Australia’s domestic competitions.

He added while the main focus of he and Hohns is on cricket at home, they’re also aware of what’s happening overseas.

"It makes it more difficult, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

"Traditionally, Australian selectors have always picked straight out of the Australian domestic system. Having said that, we don’t live in a traditional world anymore.

"We’re really aware of our guys around the world. Young Chris Green is doing terrific things around the world with his off-spin bowling. His record and numbers are outstanding. His name came up in the selection meeting. Dan Christian, his name came up. The way he finishes a game, he’s a senior pro now.

"We keep an eye on all the cricket going on around the place."

Gillette T20 Internationals v Sri Lanka

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Sri Lanka squad: Lasith Malinga (c), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Shehan Jayasuriya, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha.

First T20: October 27, Adelaide Oval, 2pm (Fox & Kayo)

Second T20: October 30, Gabba, 6.10pm (Fox & Kayo)

Third T20: November 1, MCG, 7.10pm (Fox & Kayo)

Gillette T20 Internationals v Pakistan

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Musa Khan, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir.

First T20: November 3, SCG, 2.30pm (Fox & Kayo)

Second T20: November 5, Manuka Oval, 7.10pm (Fox & Kayo)

Third T20: November 8, Perth Stadium, 4.30pm (Fox & Kayo)