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Lynn targets Heat Big Bash opener

Explosive Heat batsman hopes to make his injury return on December 20 when Brisbane host the Stars

Brisbane Heat superstar Chris Lynn has declared his intention to make his return from shoulder surgery in his team’s KFC BBL season opener against the Melbourne Stars on December 20.

In news that is sure to excite Big Bash fans, the big-hitting Queenslander confirmed he is pain free and back in the nets after going under the knife in July.

Lynn opted for the surgery after his third serious shoulder injury in the past two years, but given the lengthy recovery period of up to seven months, his involvement in Brisbane’s BBL|07 campaign had been under a cloud.

But he now believes he will be fit for the Heat's opening match at the Gabba.

"I won’t be 100 per cent but I know my body better than anyone," Lynn told News Corp.

"I’m pretty confident with where I’m at. I’m fit enough to take the field for the Brisbane Heat.

"I’ll leave (selection) up to (coach) Dan Vettori and the support staff but I’d love to play.

"I feel like the body is good enough to play game one against the Melbourne Stars.

"I feel like I’m good enough to contribute well enough and put in a big performance for the Brisbane Heat."

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Lynn was crowned the BBL|06 player of the tournament last summer – despite playing just five matches – after smashing 309 runs at an average of 154.50, including 26 sixes.

If he does return to action at the Gabba on December 20 it will mark the reunion of the Heat’s ‘Bash Brothers’, with the other half of Brisbane’s opening duo, New Zealand legend Brendon McCullum, also back in action after surgery on a broken arm suffered during the Caribbean Premier League.

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Lynn’s recovery will also please Australian selectors ahead of January’s Gillette ODI series against England, with the Queenslander hoping life post-surgery will mean greater opportunities in the green and gold.

"Hopefully I can put it (injuries) all to bed," he said.

"It’s all going well. Hopefully I can stay on the paddock for a longer period of time than what I have.

"I’ve only really gone a couple of tournaments here and there then been out for a few months.

"If I can stay on the paddock for 12 months there is plenty of opportunities, not only in Australia but around the world.

"It’s something I look forward to. I know I’m definitely good enough."

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In October, Lynn admitted his shoulder would never be 100 per cent after July's surgery.

But he said he would be "over the moon" at 90 per cent fitness after surprisingly conceding he had played the BBL in recent years at just "50 to 60 per cent".

It is a scary thought considering Lynn has won the last two BBL player-of-the-tournament awards.

"I am pretty confident the shoulder is good enough to play cricket – I am not tackling front-rowers or anything," Lynn said.