Clinton McKay
Young Men in a Hurry
By Ken Piesse
'Clinton McKay loves it every time he represents Victoria, whether it is a four-day game, one-dayer or a Twenty20
He has welcomed the opportunity to play again in 2008 after an enforced month on the sidelines in December.
"I had pretty deep bone bruising and have only been able to bowl again now," he says.
"I've tried to make the most of my opportunities. There is keen competition amongst us all for places and when the time comes you need to be ready."
After a torrid beginning to his Twenty20 tournament in Perth he did better in Melbourne as the Vics grabbed a third consecutive place in the Twenty20 play-offs.
"They didn't come out the way I wanted in Perth (his three overs cost 50). It was my first game back for awhile, but it was good to get a game under my belt.
"I was better against the NSW boys on a pretty worn wicket with not too much pace in it. It was the same wicket as used for the (Boxing Day) Test.
"Being on the fringe you do find it hard to find a place so when things go your way it's good to do well."
McKay bowled the final, crucial over in Adelaide which resulted in David Hussey taking the catch to give the Vics an exciting five run victory and a place in this weekend's final against WA in Perth.
McKay had previously played for the Bushrangers in their memorable Pura Cup win against Queensland in Brisbane when the Bulls were bowled out for 77.
With a career-best four for 32, McKay, 24, made his biggest contribution yet, filling-in for the injured Shane Harwood.
"I actually bowled pretty well, too, in the first innings (32 overs, two for 78). It was a big result for us up there and a huge highlight for me."
McKay had toured England with the Crusaders in mid winter, only for the abnormally wet English summer to cut his appearances over a six week period to a minimum.
"We didn't get to play much at all," he said, "which was a pity. It was a long way to go for so little cricket."
Bowling allrounder McKay debuted in November, 2006, far fitter than he'd ever been before and taking away the ball from the right handers a la Gerard Denton.
"I've been trying to get more outswing with my action and I'm continuing to work hard at it," he said.
"I'm fitter now, too and know more about bowling to get batsmen out rather than just running up and hoping."
As a youngster he'd been keener on football and played at Under 15 state squad level as well as for the high profile Northern Knights in the Under 18 competition.
"It didn't work out for me. Failing in football helped teach me lessons I have taken into my cricket," he said.
