Lynn, Stanlake to make ODI debut on Friday

“He’s been in red-hot form and hopefully he can bring that to the international stage”

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Uncapped batsman Chris Lynn and pace bowler Billy Stanlake will both make their debut in the first ODI against Pakistan in Brisbane on Friday.

Lynn has been setting the Big Bash League (BBL) alight as he has scored 309 runs, which includes three half-centuries, for the Brisbane Heat in five matches at an eye-popping average of 154.50 and a mouth-dropping strike rate of 177.58.

Lynn will be slotted into the middle order and even though he is currently nursing a shoulder injury, Australia captain Steve Smith is confident the 26-year-old will not be hindered by it.

“He’s been a bit stiff and sore the last couple of days but he’s got through training and he’s confident he will be able to play and do well,” Smith said. “He’s been in red-hot form and hopefully he can bring that to the international stage.

“Fifty overs is a long time. You’ve got to be smart the way you play, but he’s got some freedom to go out and play.”

Stanlake, meanwhile, has featured in four matches for the Adelaide Strikers and has claimed six wickets at an average of 17.83.

“He’s tall, I think he’s going to be the tallest player to have played for Australia,” Smith said. “He should get bounce, he’s releasing the ball from high enough.

“I’ve watched him pretty closely in the Big Bash as well, he’s bowled some good spells there. He’s an exciting prospect so hopefully he can start well for us tomorrow.”

With the duo coming in, the selectors have omitted batsman Usman Khawaja and spinner Adam Zampa for the match.

It has also been confirmed that all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will play in his first ODI since June last year. Maxwell was recently included in the squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand in December, but did not feature in any of the matches.

Australia’s XI for the first ODI: David Warner, Travis Head, Steve Smith (captain), Chris Lynn, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade, James Faulkner, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Billy Stanlake.

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