Chris Lynn reveals how Mark Waugh's tweet encouraged him to bat fearlessly against Sydney Sixers

Ahead of the IPL 2020 auction in Kolkata, Chris Lynn opted to slot in the highest price bracket with INR 2 crore. The dashing batsman became the first player to go under the hammer for his highest reserve price as he was sold to four-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians. The two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released the 29-year-old Australia batsman ahead of the auction after the Australia batsman spent five seasons with the franchise.

After Mumbai Indians completed the signing of Chris Lynn, the latter himself took to his official Twitter handle to express his delight. The Australian batsman termed Mumbai a ‘great city’ and a ‘quality franchise’ and also went on to tag one of the world’s best bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, citing that he wouldn’t have to play against him in the match.

Case in point, Brisbane Heat captain Chris Lynn returned to his prime with a scintillating knock in the 9th match of Big Bash League (BBL) 2019-20 against Sydney Sixers on Sunday (December 22).

Sydney Sixers invited Brisbane Heat to bat first and Lynn came out on top much to opposition’s annoyance. He chipped in with a staggering 94 from just 35 balls. His candid knock included a flurry of 4 fours and 11 maximums. His match-winning knock helped his team register a convincing 48-run victory.

Mark Waugh’s tweet encouraged Chris Lynn to play a match-winning knock

Lynn failed to turn up the heat in the first two matches as he got out for cheap scores of 9 and 6. This performance even triggered former Australia batsman Mark Waugh to come up with a positive tweet. He wrote, “He can bounce back but his batting has gone from fearless to fearful.”

He can bounce back but his batting has gone from fearless to fearful.

— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) December 20, 2019

Following the match, Chris Lynn disclosed that he read Steve Waugh’s post and it really boosted him to play a fearless brand of cricket. “I actually read that tweet. I was going to text ‘Junior’ (Waugh) because I was actually thinking that over the last couple of days. I’ve been going out there trying to put the world on your shoulders. That’s not the way I play,” he added as quoted by News 18.

“There was a bit of press going around that you’re haven’t performed but you put that to the side and go out there and play with that freedom and fearlessness, and that’s what my intentions were tonight and it came off,” Lynn signed off.

Meanwhile, Mark Waugh who enjoyed Lynn’s sterling innings from the commentary box credited Chris Lynn on his comeback. “Special innings by @lynny50 for the @HeatBBL. Great to see him batting without fear. #waytogo,” he tweeted.

Special innings by @lynny50 for the @HeatBBL. Great to see him batting without fear. #waytogo

— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) December 22, 2019