Heat in no rush for star return
THE Heat will resist the urge to rush back superstar batsman Chris Lynn despite the likely absence of in-form Joe Burns.
Burns did not travel to Melbourne yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s Big Bash League clash against the Renegades after scans confirmed that he suffered a minor groin strain in their win over the Stars.
Lynn was on the plane to Melbourne, however is believed to only be an outside chance of facing the Renegades due to shoulder and hamstring complaints.
The loss of Burns would be a blow to the Heat coming up against the tournament favourites, but it will not be enough for Brisbane to risk Lynn if he is not fully fit.
Lynn, the player of the tournament for the past two summers, is expected to play in Brisbane’s next home game against the Thunder on Wednesday if he does not face the Renegades.
“I thought he was a really good chance (against the Stars),” Heat batsman Alex Ross said.
“If it was up to me, I’d be getting him in but we’re leaving it up to the physio and support staff.
“Hopefully we can get to the finals and he can have an impact. That’s the thoughts of the support staff, to get him through the end of the tournament.”
Burns (50) and Ross (51) rescued the Heat when they were wobbling at 3-61 against the Stars at the Gabba.
They put on an 82-run partnership as Brisbane posted an imposing total of 7-206 after being sent in to bat on an excellent Gabba surface.
The 15-run win has given the Heat a shot of confidence ahead of a daunting appearance at Etihad Stadium against the Renegades, who boast the hottest line-up on paper with the likes of Aaron Finch, Dwayne Bravo and Brad Hogg.
“It was great to start like that,” Ross said.
“If you can get away to that sort of start it lets you play with freedom for the rest of the tournament. It was nice to do it without Lynn. We’ve heard a bit of ‘no Lynn, no win’. The Renegades are looking like the best team on paper.”
There was some positive injury news for the Heat yesterday after captain Brendon McCullum was cleared of a broken finger.
McCullum also avoided being penalised for a slow over rate after last season receiving two violations which saw him controversially suspended for one match. Each Stars player was fined $1000 after Melbourne fell one over short at the Gabba.