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Lynn apologises for Heat BBL batting flop

3 minute read

Chris Lynn has issued a sobering assessment of Brisbane's batting after another limp run chase ended in a 40-run loss to the Perth Scorchers on New Year's Day.

CHRIS LYNN
CHRIS LYNN Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Chris Lynn felt compelled to apologise after Brisbane's batting effort in an ugly Big Bash League loss to Perth created some unwanted history on New Year's Day.

The Heat fell to 7-51 in pursuit of Perth's 6-149 at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast before Zahir Khan (19 not out) became the first No.11 to top score in a Big Bash League innings.

He and No.10 Ben Laughlin put on 31 for the final wicket as the Heat managed 109 in 18.4 overs and slumped to 1-3 this season.

All three losses have come in run chases, with the Heat making 4-209 in their only win when batting first.

Lynn stumbled to 14 from 21 balls as wickets fell cheaply and easily around him.

"I'm truly embarrassed by that batting performance," he told Channel 7.

"It's not time to panic, but maybe we have to change our preparation, or our batting line-up or maybe give the guys a rocket.

"You've got to stay calm ... you don't mind when blokes are getting caught on the fence to their strengths but when they're getting out to their weaknesses ... that's the part that really pisses me off."

Lynn has been stubborn in his approach to the Heat's all-or-nothing batting until now, happy to back his top-heavy order to fire regularly enough to get results.

But he said changes may come in Hobart on Friday, with opener Max Bryant potentially in the cross-hairs after he walked past Ashton Agar's first ball to be stumped and set the tone of the failed chase.

Lynn said Zahir and Laughlin, who also took 2-18 and 2-32 respectively, had shown their top order how it was done with the bat.

"We batted basically with our eyes closed ... it just wasn't good enough; we'll have to have a hard look at ourselves and rebound quickly," he said.

The Heat will welcome AB de Villiers later this month when Tom Banton departs, with the South African slated to play the last six games and be available for a potential finals series.

Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman will also replace countryman Zahir.

"The dynamic will change massively," Laughlin said of their arrivals.

"It's be nice to be top of table undefeated, but these longer tournaments are about getting on a run at the right time."

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