McKay a bolter for the Volts
From a fast bowling ‘‘enforcer’’ at club level to a bolter for the Volts, Nelson pace bowler Jarrod McKay has been named as part of the Otago cricket squad for the 2020-21 season.
McKay is the only new inclusion into the Volt’s 16 contracted players this season.
His inclusion bolstered Otago’s bowling stocks alongside captain Jacob Duffy, Michael Rae, Matt Bacon, and Nathan Smith.
‘‘He is an exciting young prospect who will add significant value to our bowling stocks this season and into the future. He’s a big man who will provide a point of difference to the attack,’’ Otago Cricket performance manager Simon Forde said.
McKay was informed of his contract at the start of the week, however, he said there had been dialogue with CD about trying his luck with another association to ensure more playing and handson coaching opportunities.
‘‘They just said as an option, we’ll send you down to Dunedin and see how you like it – there is always really good connections around the place.’’
Having come through the ranks at Central Districts, playing age-group and making the CD A side at age 17, the now 20-year-old also represented New Zealand at indoor cricket at U22 level last year.
McKay played a solitary firstclass match for Central Districts last season, capturing two wickets in the Stags’ Plunket Shield win over Northern Districts at Mt Maunganui.
‘‘That was really crazy and just opened my eyes as to where I need to be – it really gave me the drive to compete and succeed at the next level.’’
After leaving Nelson College at the end of 2018, he has continued to play for the school in the Nelson senior mens’ club competition and had been a consistent performer.
He cites his development under the school’s programme as being a major factor in his ascent to a first-class contract.
Nelson College 1st XI coach Garry McDonald said McKay’s call-up was a massive reward for years of hard work to refine his game.
‘‘We’re pretty thrilled for him, to be honest – he’s always had the tools and is a big, gangly bloke – it’s just been a matter of keeping him interested in cricket.’’
Particular improvements on his running efficiency had paid dividends, he said.
‘‘I found I used to run in really lopsided – I still do – but it’s really helped to get some rhythm running up to the crease with the most momentum possible.’’
McKay said while becoming a professional cricketer had always been something he aspired to, reaching the goal was a byproduct of numerous milestones in refining his personal skills.
‘‘As long as I’m making sure I’m playing hard and enjoying myself – everything else will take care of itself from there – my goals are more attainable to what I can control and putting in the hard work rather than making plans or anything like that.’’
McDonald said having a player like McKay bowling consistently around the 130kmh mark had made him invaluable for a team of schoolboys playing in the top level of local competition.
‘‘He’s probably the fastest bowler in town, so while we’ve had him, no one messes with us too much – he’s been sort of an enforcer.’’
‘‘By nature he’s a reasonably reserved bloke but when you put a red ball in his hands, something changes.’’
Another Nelson College old boy, Josh Clarkson, has also been named as a contracted player for Central Districts for another season.