Clint McKay appointed interim coach of Vanuatu
McKay, who played 59 one-day internationals, six Twenty20 internationals and one Test for Australia, arrived in Vanuatu on Tuesday, 27 August, to take charge of the team, after former head coach Peter Buchanan resigned from his post owing to personal reasons.
McKay's first assignment will be guiding the team through the first stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge, which forms part of the qualification pathway to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, in Malaysia, starting from 16 September. The 36-year-old admitted that he has limited knowledge about the Vanuatu cricket team, but hopes to create a positive environment that will foster growth and development. McKay's knowledge comes from having previously played alongside Vanuatu captain Patrick Matautaava in Melbourne.
"Up until last week, I didn't know a great deal [about Vanuatu Cricket], only what Patrick had told me a couple of years ago, and that was that it was an improving cricket nation, with some very talented players still learning the game," he said.
"It is only a short turnaround until the tournament starts, so I will be looking to create a positive and enjoyable environment, which enables belief to grow within the team."
The Victorian will finish his interim role with Vanuatu following the Malaysia matches and rejoin the Melbourne Stars coaching staff for the 2019-20 season of the Big Bash League.
Shane Deitz, the chief executive officer of Vanuatu Cricket, welcomed McKay's appointment and said that the Australian will provide invaluable experience to the associate team. "Having Clint McKay join our team is a massive positive for us going into such an important tournament. He has over 10 years of international and domestic experience as player, and has transitioned into his coaching career very well," he said.
"His knowledge, particularly of 50-over cricket, is priceless, and for our guys to have this time with him will improve their skills and knowledge of the game. I hope Clint can assist with more overseas playing opportunities for our players."