Lynn’s finding his feet

CRICKET: Chris Lynn admits another bad shoulder injury will likely end his career but the white-ball superstar is finding his groove after a barnstorming domestic oneday tournament which bodes well for his World Cup hopes.

The injury-plagued powerhouse is primed to reboot his international career after linking up with Australia’s T20 squad in the UAE.

Australia, who warmed up for the series with a game against UAE overnight, will play three games against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the first starting tomorrow morning (AEST) in Abu Dhabi.

Lynn is back in the national squad for the first time since February when he dislocated his right shoulder while diving in the field against New Zealand.

Determined to avoid another torturous rehabilitation stint, Lynn has committed to a no-diving policy in all but the most dramatic circumstances.

The Queenslander trained away from the main group at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Sunday, working on drills with strength and conditioning coach Andrew Weller which involved gathering the ball at pace while staying on his feet.

“Basically what I’m working on is just speed to the ball,” Lynn said.

“I feel like I’ve moved well in the field so if I can keep that speed up I won’t have to dive.”

Lynn made an irresistible case for a national recall when he plundered 437 runs, including two centuries, in five one-day domestic matches.

But he is convinced his time in the field, and not just at the crease, will deliver the most benefits ahead of a home ODI series against South Africa next month and next year’s World Cup in the UK.

“Each game I play I’m feeling more confident,” Lynn said. “The (one-day) series was really good for me, having my time on feet.

“I haven’t experienced 50 overs in the field for five years so that was really, really good, valuable experience for me.”