I’m here to help Dolphins win silverware, says McLaren
“I DON’T know how you guys put up with this winter weather,” chuckled Ryan McLaren as he settled down to a chat in the Kingsmead nets wearing a T-shirt and a pair of shorts.
The 31-year-old Proteas allrounder, who has chosen to play his domestic cricket with the Dolphins after 12 years as a professional in Bloemfontein, hasn’t come to Durban for the balmy weather, but right now he’ll take it.
The rangy cricketer, who has been part of the cricketing set-up in Bloemfontein since “the under-nines”, said he felt now was the right time to accept another challenge.
“I’ve had a great time in Bloemfontein and I’m thankful to a lot of people who’ve invested time in my career; but I want to take my cricket to another level and now is the right moment to make a change.
“I looked carefully at the options, and I think the Dolphins are a young, growing team with the potential for further success.
“My decision wasn’t just about me and what I can get out of the move, but about the nature of the contribution that I think I can make to the team.
“The Dolphins have a nice blend of young players and experienced heads, and I feel I can add value.”
McLaren said he had been particularly impressed with Lance Klusener’s character and coaching style.
He added that he would feel at home playing under the captaincy of his long-time former skipper, Morne van Wyk.
“Even in the short time I’ve spent with Lance and the guys, I’ve really been impressed with the energy and hunger in the team, and the structures around it.
“I’ve really enjoyed myself so far.”
McLaren’s main short-term international goal this season is not difficult to identify. Being included in the World Cup squad for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand early next year is an obvious target, and one that he should feel confident of achieving.
The all-rounder, who has 43 caps so far, was in impressive form in the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, with figures of 2/33, 4/48 and 3/37 in the three matches.
He is understandably keen to be part of the Proteas’ latest attempt to win the coveted trophy for the first time.
Notwithstanding that, McLaren confessed that Test cricket remained the ultimate form of the game for him, and said he was keen to add to the two caps he had earned in the national team.
“I understand that it’s all a question of combinations at present, with the team preferring seven batsmen and four frontline bowlers, but I’ll be only too happy to grab any further opportunities that come my way.”
On the domestic front, when he is available, McLaren says he wants to help the Dolphins continue what they started last season.
“I want to help the team in any way I can, and put in performances that help the guys win trophies. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”