The term "master blaster" does not quite come to mind when thinking of ex-Test opener Matt Renshaw.
But Ben Cutting has boldly tipped the watchful left-hander to hit the ball just as far as the recalled Chris Lynn in the Brisbane Heat's Big Bash League clash against Melbourne Renegades on Saturday night.
As expected, the destructive Lynn got the nod to return from a four-week calf injury for the match, which Brisbane must win handsomely and rely on other results to scrape into the semi-finals.
But the big surprise was Renshaw's selection for his BBL debut.
Cutting admitted Renshaw was more known for his patient approach to the red ball game.
However Cutting said the lanky left-hander would surprise many in the BBL, claiming Renshaw could match Lynn's firepower with the bat.
"He paved the way in red-ball cricket and that's how everyone knows him," Cutting said.
"But I have seen him play some innings where he has hit the ball just as far as Lynny can.
"He is very much a surprise packet in this format, not only with the bat but also in the field and with the ball."
Renshaw - a world class slips fielder who also bowls right-arm spin - was called up by the Heat along with Lynn, who proved his fitness with 83 off 28 balls in a practice match this week including 11 sixes.
Cutting said Lynn would pick up where he left off against the Renegades before the batsman chimed into Australia's Twenty20 international tri-series campaign next month.
Australia begin their T20 series - also featuring England and New Zealand - against the Kiwis on February 3 in Sydney.
"He's in good form judging by the way he hit the ball at our practice match," Cutting said.
"He's a huge boost and I think the crowd will enjoy it too."
Brisbane Heat squad: Brendon McCullum (capt), Ben Cutting, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Gannon, Sam Heazlett, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Jimmy Peirson, Matt Renshaw, Alex Ross, Yasir Shah, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson (one to be omitted, 12th man to be named).
