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It cannot be easy to develop a strong sense of team spirit in a day, but Clint McKay is living proof of Australia’s ability to do just that on their injury-hit yet heartening tour of India.
Victorian McKay, 26, had spent little more than 24 hours with the tourists when he was chosen to replace the weary Mitchell Johnson in Hyderabad.
His vital debut contribution (3-59 including the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar for 175) said as much about the team’s togetherness as it did about McKay’s pronounced streak of composure.
“I’d only met some of these guys for a day (before playing),” McKay said.
“To be coming out and playing cricket under these conditions was a great thrill.
“They have been fantastic, welcomed me into the group amazingly so you can’t thank them enough.
“I think it showed when the game was tough that we can stick together.”
And McKay said the task of bowling at the freewheeling Tendulkar left him momentarily helpless, but ultimately rewarded.
“I don’t think there is a good place to bowl to Sachin,” McKay concluded.
“The way he played was sensational, but in the end he didn’t quite get them over the line.
“We did a good job of containing through the middle overs and finally got a few wickets late in the game.”
McKay’s ability to keep his cool in the firing line has led to teammates labelling him Clint Eastwood.
“I think from being over here in the Champions League, Shane Harwood and Damien Wright, senior guys for Victoria, said no matter what happens just have smile on your face, walk back to your mark and do it again,” he said.
“There’s going to be days when they hit fours and sixes, the batsman is allowed to play a good shot.
“If you are bowling where you want to execute and they play a good shot then so be it – there’s no point worrying about it, you can’t go back in time and change things.”
Having been chosen to cover for the injured Brett Lee, McKay finds himself surrounded by other reinforcements, with Burt Cockley and Andrew McDonald joining the squad on the eve of the Guwahati match.
While realistic about the “pecking order” of pacemen, McKay is not without hope of an extensive role for Australia this summer, particularly since the eye-catching start.
“You hope,” he said.
“The guys out from injury will come back in the side, there is always a pecking order, but as soon as you get an opportunity you have to make the most of it so when another one comes you are top of the list again.
“I am realistic about the way things are.”
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