Chris Lynn's 'brutal' display as stunning return to form continues in BBL

Chris Lynn continues to make a mockery of the Brisbane Heat's decision not to offer him a contract, starring in the Adelaide Strikers' win over Melbourne Renegades in the BBL. Lynn registered his third-consecutive half-century as the Strikers won by 20 runs on Tuesday night.

The leading six-hitter in BBL history, Lynn was controversially axed by his hometown side the Heat ahead of BBL 12. And all he's done since joining the Strikers is score runs.

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The 32-year-old blasted 69 not out off 37 balls at the Adelaide Oval, following scores of 64 off 29 and 87 off 58 in his two previous games. He has now scored 393 runs in nine games to sit atop the leading run-scorers this season.

Lynn was well supported by the in-form Matt Short (38) and imports Adam Hose (33) and Colin de Grandhomme (32). However Lynn and de Grandhomme were both unable to field after suffering from fatigue and a hamstring injury respectively.

Kiwi all-rounder de Grandhomme was injured while running between wickets, while Lynn wilted in the oppressive summer heat. The extent of de Grandhomme's injury is unknown, but he is in doubt for the Strikers' clash with Melbourne Stars on Thursday.

Fans and commentators were left in awe after Lynn continued his incredible form. He has only registered one score below 20 this season, and only ever had one season with more runs than in 2022/23 (BBL10 with 458 runs in 13 innings).

“(The Heat) need someone like Chris Lynn, but maybe they both needed a break as well,” Brad Haddin said on Fox Sports about Lynn's departure from the Heat, describing his power as 'brutal'. “Since Chris Lynn’s come to the Strikers, he looks like he’s got a lot of energy back.

"He started the tournament slow and that could’ve been because he was trying to prove himself at the new club. But all of a sudden, the last three innings he’s got 50 and he’s got back the Chris Lynn style of old where he takes the game on.”

Adelaide Strikers continue climb up BBL ladder

Lynn's knock helped power the Strikers to 4-202 before they restricted the Renegades to 6-182. The result means the Strikers leapfrog the Renegades and Sydney Thunder into third spot on the BBL ladder.

Renegades wicket-keeper Sam Harper top-scored with 63, while Englishman Matt Critchley (33 not out) and Will Sutherland (31) provided some drama at the death. But Melbourne failed to capitalise on de Grandhomme's absence, which left Adelaide short of a sixth bowling option.

Wes Agar was the pick of the bowlers for the Strikers, taking the exact same figures as acting captain Matt Short (2-26). "For me, there comes a time in your career when you stop being the kid and you start being more of a senior head," Agar said.

"With Sidsy (Peter Siddle) out, the boys needed someone to take that role on and I find a lot of confidence in that. I'm glad I got given the ball tonight and was able to execute."

Sutherland said: "At the innings break I reckon it was about par and I certainly thought we could chase it down. Obviously, it got away from us a bit."

with AAP

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