Lynn warns Australia about ‘world class’ Pakistan

Hard-hitting batsman Chris Lynn has warned Australia about ‘world class’ Pakistan team, after the Men in Green registered a comprehensive six-wicket win over Cricket Australia (CA) XI on Thursday in Sydney.

The Men in Green chased down 135-run target with 13 balls to spare, after CA XI won the toss and decided to bat first.

ALSO READ: Zaman, Shadab star as Pakistan down Cricket Australia XI in tour match

While talking to the reporters after the match, Lynn said that the number one ranked Twenty20 International side will be a much tougher opposition than Sri Lanka for the Aussies in the upcoming three-match T20I series.

“I think they've brought a stronger side out than the Sri Lankans,” said Lynn. “They've got guys who can bowl 150km/h and batters who are world class. Stats prove that. They put on a clinical performance today which is why they're one of the top T20 teams in the world.”

"They've got a left arm spinner in Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan who is a genius with the ball as well. Our batters will have a tougher challenge than against Sri Lanka,” he added.

Lynn also showed his support for his Australian teammate Glenn Maxwell, who on Thursday decided to step away from cricket for indefinite period of time, due to mental health difficulties.

“As men, we don’t speak up enough about it, so I’m really proud that he’s [Maxwell] come out and assessed his situation and realised that cricket’s not for him right now,” he said. ““It sends shivers down your spine when you hear something like this and Glenn’s a close mate of mine. When one man goes down, the whole team feels it, and I think the whole of Australia feels it.”

“A lot of people think it’s a gravy train getting to play for Australia and getting to travel the world and play cricket, but there’s a lot of hard work and there’s a lot of work underneath the water that people don’t see,” he added.

ALSO READ: Maxwell takes break from cricket, set to miss Pakistan T20Is

Australia will face 2009 T20 World champions Pakistan in a three-match T20I series, starting in Sydney on November 3. The series will give the teams a preview of playing conditions ahead of next year's T20 World Cup in Australia and a chance for new players to push their credentials.

The T20I series will be followed by a two-match Test series between the two sides.