Cricket: Lynn told to take BBL form into one-dayers

Chris Lynn. Photo / Supplied

Chris Lynn has been handed a licence to thrill by Australian skipper Steve Smith as the BBL sensation aims to transfer his sizzling domestic form to the international stage.

Lynn and Billy Stanlake have been named to make their ODI debuts in today's series-opening clash against Pakistan at the Gabba.

Lynn, who has smashed 309 runs in five games for the Brisbane Heat this summer, has overcame a bulging disc in his neck to take his place in the team and will bat at No 4.

Smith admitted the 26-year-old was a bit "stiff and sore" but ready to go, and has been told not to change his game.

"He's got a licence to play the way he wants to play," Smith said. "Fifty overs is a long time - you've got to be smart in the way you play. But he's got some freedom to go out and play nice and positively. He's a big, strong fella and 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 at the Gabba."

Smith said Lynn needed an injection last week to deal with his neck injury but had responded well to treatment.

Smith is also battling a minor side strain which he suffered when he took a hit from Mitchell Starc in the nets in the lead-up to the Gabba test. He said it wasn't a concern.

Usman Khawaja and Adam Zampa were left out of the squad, but allrounder Glenn Maxwell is back for his first ODI since the middle of last year.

Maxwell was fined last month by Australian team leaders and slammed by Smith as "very disrespectful" for comments he made about Matthew Wade's decision to bat head of him for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield. However, the 28-year-old now has a golden opportunity to impress selectors ahead of next month's test tour of India.

Smith said it was a tough call to leave out Khawaja, with Travis Head to open the batting alongside David Warner. Stanlake will become the tallest cricketer at 2.04m to play for Australia, forming an imposing pace battery with Starc and Pat Cummins.