McLaren: You can't compare me to Jacques

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Cricket365
December 11, 2013

All-rounder Ryan McLaren is eager to see South Africa's limited-overs unit complete 2013 in triumph, come Wednesday's third and final ODI against India in Centurion.

Beaten by New Zealand and Pakistan and the disappointed recipients of an early Champions trophy exit earlier this year, the Proteas have since charged to an unassailable series lead over the Indians.

While a century from opener Quinton de Kock ensured a straightforward 141-run win at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, a second successive ton from de Kock and the right-handed Hashim Amla's 100 capped a comfortable 134-run success at Kingsmead in Durban.

"When you look back it wasn't so long ago that we were struggling against New Zealand at home and Sri Lanka away. This group of players have come through a lot of tough times during the building phases," said McLaren.

"Although we have had success in the recent series that we have played against Pakistan and against India, there is still a lot of work in progress. From the start of the series when we got together for the series against India we said that we wanted to set the tone early.

"We wanted to make sure that we came to the games with a lot of intensity and energy. I think we did that in the first match in Johannesburg and more importantly we followed it up in Durban as well."

The veteran Jacques Kallis is unavailable for the fixture in Centurion, affording McLaren another chance to increase his stature as the country's leading all-rounder. Right-armer McLaren is South Africa's most prolific bowler in ODI cricket this year, having clinched 45 wickets at a superb average of 23.77.

"You can't compare me to Jacques. That's like comparing a Citi Golf to a Rolls Royce," he added. "I never take my position for granted in this team. Yes, I have had a successful year and put in some good performances of late, but I'd still like to be more consistent."