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Finally, Chris Lynn Gets A Start For Australia. But Where Is Usman Khawaja?

Get ready for some more 'Lynnsanity'.
Chrs Lynn hit 26 sixes in the Big Bash this summer.
Getty Images
Chrs Lynn hit 26 sixes in the Big Bash this summer.

Big Bash league superstar Chris Lynn will make his one-day international debut when Australia plays Pakistan at the Gabba on Friday, but Usman Khawaja has been left out.

On Thursday Australia captain Steve Smith said he was hoping to see the same 'Lynnsanity' who has dominated the local Twenty20 competition, calling the Brisbane Heat star "a big strong fella".

"He hits the ball a long way. If it's in his wheelhouse, he might as well hit it for six. He does it pretty well here at the Gabba," Smith told media.

The 26-year-old makes his 50-over match debut alongside fellow-Queenslander and fast-bowler Billy Stanlake, but the Australia team will be missing crowd favourite Khawaja.

Usman Khawaja has been left out of Friday's ODI against Pakistan at the Gabba.
Cricket Australia/Getty Images
Usman Khawaja has been left out of Friday's ODI against Pakistan at the Gabba.

Khawaja recently solidified his position in Australian cricket after topping the run-scoring for both sides in the three-day Test series against South Africa.

Despite his recent performance, he wasn't snapped up for the Australian short-form side this Friday.

Khawaja, who was born in Pakistan, is Australia's first Muslim Test cricketer and holds a batting average of 34.42 in ODIs.

It's an OK average, but falls behind par. But it's worth remembering that Adam Gilchrist's ODI average was 35.89 and he's considered one of the most destructive limited overs batsmen of all time.

In addition, Khawaja has played relatively few ODI matches and has really only found his rhythm in the past couple of years, so you'd expect that average to improve.

Khawaja aside, the Australia team will have all-rounder Glenn Maxwell back for his first ODI since mid-2016 and another all-rounder in Travis Head.

Here's the full list of the team:

Australia XI

David Warner

Travis Head

Steve Smith (capt)

Chris Lynn

Mitchell Marsh

Glenn Maxwell

Matthew Wade

James Faulkner

Pat Cummins

Mitchell Starc

Billy Stanlake

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