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Midfield
It's clear to see why he's highly rated by England. I've only seen him a couple of times but he definitely has the natural ability to go far, there's not many opening batsmen in the county game right now who can play those shots we've seen from him this morning on a regular basis along with the high strike rate.That cover drive he’s got is a thing of beauty, the first boundary of the day was a touch too short to drive and was a bit aerial and had my heart in my mouth because Hameed was lurking - but he’s smoked about 5/6 since which have been sublime. There was one off Stone where he didn’t even follow through, just dead batted it through the covers. Absolute beautiful timing.
See a lot of similarities with Jennings, maybe it’s just the tall left hander thing, but the touch with which he’s nudged two balls through the vacant fourth slip region as a release shot when everyone else would’ve expected to see him unleash a vicious cut shot have been as impressive as any drive he’s played because the best batsmen are able to change gears at will to suit themselves and keep bowlers and fielders guessing.
If that seems like a pretty thorough analysis on the basis of an hour or so of batting, fair enough, but I’m a badger and it’s the first time I’ve seen him in the flesh properly (since I played against him)
He's someone who probably should have scored a lot more runs in 2XI, but he's always had the tendency to throw his wicket away in a soft fashion by going for one shot too many. I'm sure that's something which will improve as he gains more experience.
Hopefully the signings of Gay and Rhodes for next season don't limit McKinney's opportunities and chances to develop, that's my only worry.