SYDNEY Thunder veteran Clint McKay will put his friendship aside with Melbourne Stars captain John Hastings when the teams clash in Border Big Bash at Lavington Sportsground on December 12.
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“I know ‘Hasto’ is one of my best mates – we’ve played a lot of cricket together and a few times against each other as well – but they’re often fiery battles because you can’t wait to get one up on them and let them know your team finished on top,” McKay said.
“They might be your mates off the field but as soon as you walk over that line, you’re there to win a game of cricket.”
McKay said the stakes were high with the match being played only days before they take on arch rivals Sydney Sixers.
“It’s a great opportunity for guys like myself, Shane Watson, Benny Rohrer and Aiden Blizzard – who aren’t tied up with domestic cricket throughout the year – to get some match conditioning against a quality side like the Melbourne Stars,” he said.
McKay spent the winter in England playing County cricket with the former Australian quick grabbing the best figures by a Leicestershire bowler in the T20 format.
His 5-13 surpassed his former Victoria Bushrangers teammate Andrew McDonald against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in 2010.
“I had a few weeks off after the County season which was good to refresh and relax and now it’s full blown training mode,” he said.
“I’m doing a lot of club cricket and training at Essendon and can’t wait for Big Bash to get underway.”
Hastings is on the comeback trail from injury after hurting his back while bowling in the nets in Melbourne in September.
He said the Border clash was crucial to his preparation.
”Obviously not playing too much red ball cricket of late I’ll need a good hit-out before the tournament starts proper,” Hastings said.
“From a team prospective, we need to get our mix right, balance and structure up the way we want to attack the season.”
Tickets are on sale on www.borderbash.com.au