Cricket: McKay ready for return

Andy McKay has replaced the retired Shane Bond in the Black Caps squad for the two T20 games against Sri Lanka in the US. Photo / Getty Images

As Shane Bond exits stage left, Wellington cricket paceman Andy McKay hopes he has timed his run to perfection.

McKay jetted to the United States to rejoin the New Zealand team after Bond confirmed his retirement last week, coinciding with the left-armer's return to full fitness after a foot stress fracture.

Having impressed captain Daniel Vettori in domestic cricket with his pace, McKay made his one-day international debut at 29 against Bangladesh last summer, taking five wickets from three matches at 21 runs apiece and a tick over four runs per over.

But the stress fracture struck him down just as he was eyeing a series against Australia. It also ruled him out of the Twenty20 world championship as New Zealand crashed out in the Super Eight phase against eventual champions England.

"It was obviously very disappointing. I'd only had a taste of what was on offer and I felt I'd put in a couple of good performances and with the Aussies around the corner it was a good opportunity to test myself against those guys. It was an injury that took a bit longer than I thought to get right," McKay said in Miami yesterday ahead of two Twenty20 exhibition matches against Sri Lanka on Sunday and Monday (NZT).

"But now that it's fine, it's great to get the recall. It will be great to get the opportunity to play.

"I got a taste of it against Bangladesh a couple of months ago. To play against Sri Lanka I think will definitely raise the bar a little bit and it will be a good test."

McKay hasn't played international Twenty20 cricket but in 10 matches for Wellington has 11 wickets at 25.18 and economy rate of 9.03.

This weekend, against the attacking Sri Lankan batsmen, will be a great opportunity for McKay to step up as a frontline paceman as New Zealand desperately seek a bowler who can reach the mid-140km/h range.

The Miami experience was a good one for McKay as the New Zealanders mixed with the Florida Marlins Major League Baseball team before their home match on Tuesday.

"It was a superb day. We were able to get on the field and do a few drills with the guys.

"A few of the guys had a hit. We were able to talk to some of the pitchers and talk about the way they go about things, especially throwing techniques, and worked out a few ideas on how to hit the ball out of the park a little bit further as well."

- NZPA