Australia award Big Bash performers with Sri Lanka T20Is call-up

Four uncapped players have been included in squad for three-match series

SYDNEY: Big-hitting Chris Lynn was named on Wednesday in Australia’s squad for their T20I series against Sri Lanka despite injury worries, with four uncapped players also included.

Lynn was a dominant force for Brisbane Heat in the just-finished Big Bash League (BBL), but is still recovering from a neck injury and faces further fitness tests ahead of the opening clash in Melbourne on February 17.

“Chris’ selection will depend on his fitness. He is due to see a specialist later this week and we will take into account that advice ahead of this series,” said selector Trevor Hohns.

With captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner rested ahead of the upcoming Test tour of India, Michael Klinger, Billy Stanlake, Jyhe Richardson and Ashton Turner are in line for their international debuts.



Aaron Finch leads the squad as they look to improve Australia’s current T20I ranking of sixth in the world.

“We have chosen a squad with a good blend of experience combined with several younger players in an effort to improve our performance and therefore our T20I ranking,” said Hohns.

“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,” he added.

The selection of top order batsman Klinger, aged 36, was a surprise but Hohns said he had earned a call-up.



“He [Klinger] has been a very good player in this form of the game for some time now,” he 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.”

Wicketkeeper Tim Paine returns, adding experience to the team.

Australia play Sri Lanka in Melbourne on February 17, in Geelong on February 19 and then Adelaide on February 22.

Australia squad

Aaron Finch (c), Patrick Cummins, James Faulkner, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Michael Klinger, Chris Lynn, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.