The Clontarf allrounder spoke to us from Sydney where he has been playing for Randwick Petersham for the 2024-25 season as part of the International Cricket Programme and Cricket Ireland’s ongoing relationship with the Australian club.
McNally has played for Ireland Under-19s Men, most recently at the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, as well as playing for Leinster Lightning and Munster Reds in List A and T20 cricket during the 2024 inter-provincial season.
The allrounder has been looking to adapt different areas of his game with under supervision of the International Cricket Programme coaches as well as adapting to a whole new environment while playing for the club.
John spoke to us in between preparation for a busy weekend, while also making time to catch up with other Irish players based near by.
So how are you finding it at Randy Petes?
John McNally: Yeah, it’s been really good so far. I’ve been loving it here and everyone has been really welcoming. I’m definitely enjoying it.
And how has it been going on the field?
JN: Yeah, I’ve probably struggled a bit so far since I’ve been over when here, but I scored 48, I think in a chase in one game. That’s probably been my best performance so far on the field. But it’s tough over here, it’s very different.
In terms of performances and conditions what’s been the most challenging thing for you?
JN: I suppose, it’s not even the conditions necessarily. It’s just a different environment. I haven’t played a huge amount away from my home club. Stuff like that really. So it can be very different just going into a different setup with different captains, different ideas, all that sort of thing. So it’s just about trying to adapt to that mainly and then working from there.
Any particular things that you’ve been working on while you’ve been there?
JN: Definitely. I’ve been working with some of the coaches from the International Cricket Programme particularly with my bowling. We’ve been working on a few slower ball variations which I didn’t really have before, to be honest. Then with my batting, the ICP coaches wanted to look at a few other things like with my setup at the crease and trying to access different areas. There’s certain things in my batting they’ve seen and want to develop. The coaches have been really good over here.
In terms of when you first arrived did you have any specific goals or targets?
JN: I don’t think that there was really anything specific. Just to develop more. Trying to develop more as a player. Obviously playing overseas over the winter can make you so much better maybe rather than playing indoors. So just to enjoy it all and learn from the experience of playing in a different country and different conditions.
Have you been able to catch up with any Irish players over there?
JN: I have actually! Gavin Hoey and Gareth Delaney – they’re all over as well playing in Sydney. So I’ve been spending a bit of time with them. I was just with them at the driving range actually. So yeah, they’ve been good too looking after me as well.
Any advice from them?
JN: Yeah, well Gavin’s been over before, so he’s been very helpful. Not necessarily to talk about conditions as such but learning about playing overseas in a new club, a whole new environment. With all of that stuff, he’s been really helpful.
In terms of who you’ve played with and against are there any particular players who’ve really impressed you?
JN: There was Zack Keogh who recently got a double hundred against South Australia 2nd XI. I played with him in my the first couple of games for the Under-21s. He was very good, and pretty much won us both of those games. Just very, very impressive. Then I played with Camden Hawkins in second grade and he’s played first class in New Zealand. He was also just very impressive to watch at that level. Hawkins just made everything look so easy.
What’s something you’re bringing to your game that you’re looking forward to bringing back when you’re back for the Irish season?
JN: I’d say I’ve probably learned a lot of things, especially about my bowling. Then especially with how the conditions are over here when you don’t get as much out of the pitch. The pitches I’ve played on have been a lot flatter and a lot better. So just kind of learning how to bowl on those kinds of decks when it’s not helping me out as much. It’s something I’m definitely looking forward to take back for sure.