Ben McKinney is making waves as one of England’s most promising young cricketers.
Ben McKinney Shines for England Lions
Ben McKinney has scored 634 runs at an average of 37.29 in 11 first-class matches.
At just 20 years old, Ben McKinney has already tasted the spotlight. His brief appearance in Netflix’s Sunderland ‘Til I Die documentary, celebrating a rare goal during a turbulent season for Sunderland AFC, earned him unexpected recognition. Fast forward six years, and McKinney is on the cusp of carving out his own cricketing legacy.
Rising Cricket Star: Ben McKinney’s Journey
McKinney’s cricketing journey began with Durham at the age of 18. By 2024, he had made his debut and was already making waves in first-class cricket, scoring his maiden century in just his second season. His exceptional 110 off 110 balls against an Australia A side—featuring six full internationals—cemented his status as one to watch.
“I just went with instinct,” McKinney said of the knock. “It felt surreal at the time, but to know I could compete at that level was a real confidence booster.”
McKinney’s ‘Bazball’ Potential
McKinney’s aggressive, attacking style of play aligns perfectly with the current Bazball ethos that England has embraced in Test cricket. Standing at 6ft 7in and known for his powerful hitting, McKinney is a natural fit for this high-energy approach. The comparisons to New Zealand legend Stephen Fleming from former England spinner Graeme Swann further highlight McKinney’s potential to make an impact on the international stage.
“Runs are your currency in this game,” McKinney said, acknowledging the pressure of rising expectations. “But I’d rather have that than not be talked about at all. I’ll just keep doing my best and look for opportunities.”
From Football to Cricket: McKinney’s Path to the Top
Before committing to cricket at 16, McKinney was a talented footballer, playing for both Durham and Sunderland’s youth academies. However, as he grew taller, he realized his future lay in cricket rather than football. His early love for the game, nurtured by his father Neil, a key figure at Seaham Harbour Cricket Club, set him on the path to success.
“My dad was relentless in the nets, pushing me to improve, and that discipline has definitely helped me as I progressed,” McKinney reflected.
Durham’s reputation for producing top-tier talent like Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, and Paul Collingwood further inspired McKinney. A conversation with Durham’s academy manager, John Windows, when McKinney was just 15, reinforced his belief in the club’s ability to develop young players into international stars.
England’s Eye on McKinney
Although McKinney has yet to receive a call-up to the senior England team, he has already made a significant impact in the Lions setup. He impressed during his tour to Australia with the England Under-19s, where he hit a blistering 70 off 45 balls in a win over Australia. This suggests McKinney is ready to embrace England’s aggressive style of play.
“I’ve tried to find the balance,” McKinney explained. “In the past, I used to bat slowly, but now I’ve learned to combine soaking up pressure with putting it back on the opposition. That’s been key to my success this winter.”
The Road Ahead for McKinney
McKinney’s impressive performances have earned him opportunities with the England Lions, and he is set to feature in six County Championship matches before England’s Test series against Zimbabwe in May. With the England top order in a state of flux due to poor form and injury concerns, McKinney could find himself with an unexpected chance to prove himself on the international stage.
“While there’s no room in the top seven right now, I know how quickly things can change,” McKinney acknowledged. “If the chance comes, I’ll be ready.”
The Future is Bright
Though McKinney may not yet be a fixture in England’s senior team, his impressive rise through the ranks has many tipping him as a future star. With the next Ashes series fast approaching and plenty of cricket ahead in 2025, McKinney’s aggressive batting style and determination could soon see him in the England fold.
With a promising future and the backing of England’s cricketing fraternity, Ben McKinney could very well be the next Bazball star for England.
