Former KKR star Chris Lynn injured; to miss the ODI series against England

What's the story?

Australian batsman Chris Lynn will miss his national side's five One-Day International series against England, it has emerged.

The 27-year-old is suffering from strain from a recently-sustained calf-injury, which medical examination has said Lynn needs rest for.

The details

Lynn sustained the injury while playing in the Big Bash League, fielding for his side Brisbane Heat against the Perth Scorchers.

Doctors and physiotherapists said his injury was 'minor' but that further play would affect it. Lynn is expected, however, to return in time for Australia's T20 tri-series with England and New Zealand.

In case you didn't know ...

Australian cricketers are currently playing across formats. The Test team are on a high with a 4-0 Ashes win, with a whitewash of England led from the front by their skipper, Steve Smith. A number of key names from the shorter format, Glenn Maxwell among them, are playing in Australia's T20 Big Bash League, while the ODI series is due to commence next Sunday, the 14th of January, 2018.

Lynn's absence from the ODI side for the England series means that Glenn Maxwell is the frontrunner to replace him in the side. While Shaun Marsh was also discussed for the spot, it is more than likely that Australian selectors will announce Maxwell is to return.

Incidentally, Maxwell had been dropped from the ODI side earlier in favour of Lynn, who was also doubtful for the ODI series given what he described as recurring pain from a surgery for a previous shoulder injury.

Maxwell fell out of favour with Australia team management and captain Steve Smith, who described him as "not training smart."

What's next?

The 27-year-old was surprisingly not retained by his old side, the Kolkata Knight Riders, in the IPL this year.

Lynn will not automatically be a part of the T20 squad once he is fit; selectors have said he will have to "prove his fitness in match action" before he can be considered for the side again.

Author's Take

Lynn has been in good form of late, becoming the first batsman in BBL history to hit 100 sixes, so the injury and absence from the ODI series is especially unfortunate for him. However, this will give Maxwell, also an explosive batsman, a chance to find favour with the national selectors yet again.

Given that there appears to be some bad blood with in-form skipper Steve Smith, Maxwell will need to tread carefully to ensure his future on the ODI side and cement his place.