Victorian fast bowler Clint McKay has revealed that he is excited to be part of the Australian Test squad, and adds that he was stunned when he got the call to join the national team at Adelaide.
In an extraordinary two months, McKay, 26, has gone from peripheral member of the Bushrangers' Sheffield Shield team to a player of star quality in all three forms of the game.
"I'm a bit shocked still. I can't quite believe what's going on. It's amazing," Fox Sports quoted McKay, as saying.
Nicknamed C-Mac in the Victorian side, McKay learnt of his selection in a phone message from Cricket Australia.
"My phone ran out of battery and when I got it back on the charger I had a message to ring (CA general manager) Michael Brown," McKay said.
"At first I thought it was someone taking the p*** out of me. I just don't know what to say. I'm speechless."
Eight weeks ago McKay was a lucky inclusion in the Victorian squad that went to India for the Champions League Twenty20 tournament.
He was the only Bushranger named in the competition's All-Star team and within days was summoned back to India to make his One-day debut for Australia.
Two weekends ago he was picked in the Australian Twenty20 side for the All-Star exhibition match at the Gabba and snared 4-18.
"It's all been very surreal, pretty weird. But I hope it continues," McKay said.
At first-class level this season, McKay has taken 11 wickets at an average of 23.36. In the Shield game that Victoria won by an innings and 50 runs against Queensland last weekend, he proved his versatility when he scored 55.
McKay said while he was thrilled to be chosen, it was almost certain he would be 12th man in Adelaide, with the in-form Doug Bollinger replacing Hilfenhaus in the side.
Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said McKay was a prudent selection.
"Clint impressed all with his performances in India with the One-day squad and with his bowling for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield this year," Hilditch said.
"We also feel his style of bowling will be well suited to the conditions in Adelaide, should he be selected in the starting X1."
