Heat name Lynn for BBL|07 opener

Heat master blaster Chris Lynn is set to make his highly-anticipated return from injury after being named in Brisbane's squad for their KFC Big Bash League opener against Melbourne Stars on Wednesday.

Lynn underwent surgery in July after his third serious shoulder injury in the last two years, before defying expectations in recovery to get himself back on the park in time for Wednesday's match at the Gabba.

The Queenslander played just five matches in BBL|06 before being struck down by injury, but his 309 runs at an average of 154.50 – which included 26 sixes – was enough to see him crowned the player of the tournament.

Earlier this week, Heat captain Brendon McCullum said he was hopeful Lynn would suit up for the clash against the Stars – but was wary of risking his star too soon.

"He's one of the biggest excitement machines going around; he hits the ball miles, wins games single-handedly and the Brisbane Boss, as he is affectionately known amongst the team, is excited to be back," McCullum said.

"We're hopeful (he'll play on Wednesday), but it's hard because you don't win the comp in December, you win it in mid-January and we need him them."

Despite admitting his shoulder would never be 100 per cent after July's surgery, Lynn was adamant earlier this month that he would be right to go come December 20.

"I won't be 100 per cent fit for the Big Bash," Lynn told cricket.com.au. 

"But I know I'm good enough to play, and hopefully win games for the Heat.

"The docs didn't give me that chance.

"But I've been through this issue a couple of times now, and I know my own body better than anyone."

Experienced paceman Josh Lalor also returns for the Heat, having missed the bulk of BBL|06 with a side strain, while Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan will make his BBL debut for the club.

Not included in the Brisbane squad is axed Test opener Matt Renshaw, who is a new signing for the Heat this summer.

Meanwhile, young fast bowler Jack Prestwidge has been named as an injury replacement for allrounder Cameron Valente, who is recovering from a bruised foot.

The Stars meanwhile have picked their squad for the clash with the Heat, with new captain John Hastings to take the reins for the first time.

Opener Rob Quiney, their third leading run-scorer from BBL|06, has been left out of the 13-player squad with the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Glenn Maxwell and new recruit Ben Dunk all named.

Left-arm wrist-spinner Liam Bowe, an Essendon Cricket Club product, has been included as a replacement player for reserve Test batsman Peter Handscomb.

The BBL kicks off on Tuesday evening with the Thunder taking on the Sixers in the Sydney Smash.

Brisbane Heat squad: Brendon McCullum (c), Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Brendon Doggett, Sam Heazlett, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Jimmy Peirson, Jack Prestwidge, Alex Ross, Shadab Khan, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson.

Melbourne Stars squad: John Hastings (c), Michael Beer, Scott Boland, Liam Bowe, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Glenn Maxwell, Kevin Pietersen, Marcus Stoinis, Luke Wright, Adam Zampa