From Sunderland Cameos to Cricket Stardom

At just 20 years old, Ben McKinney is demonstrating why England's selectors are taking notice. The Durham opener's explosive 110 off 110 balls against Australia A this winter - facing six full internationals - announced his arrival as England's next potential Bazball convert.

The Making of a Modern Batsman

Standing at an imposing 6'7", McKinney combines physical advantages with an aggressive mindset:

• First-class average of 37.29 from 11 matches
• U19 England captaincy experience
• Recent Australia tour experience (2023)
• 45-ball 70 in Brisbane showcasing attacking intent

"It was surreal facing international bowlers," McKinney told BBC Sport. "But proving I belong at that level gives me huge confidence."

Cricket Over Football

The multi-sport talent had academy spells with both Sunderland and Durham FC before committing to cricket at 16:

"At 6'7", I'd probably be a center-back now," he jokes. "But cricket was always my first love since childhood nets sessions with my dad."

Role Models and Development

Having grown up idolizing Alastair Cook's traditional approach, McKinney has adapted to England's modern philosophy:

"My dad taught me patience - I used to bat 50 overs for 80. Now I'm finding the balance between absorbing pressure and counter-attacking."

Durham's production line (Stokes, Wood, Collingwood) reinforces his development, with England legend Graeme Swann recently stating he could "walk into Test cricket now."

Pathway to International Cricket

With 6 County Championship matches before Zimbabwe's Test tour, opportunities beckon:

• Potential top-order vacancies emerging
• IPL commitments thinning squad depth
• England's willingness to blood young talent

"Pressure is better than obscurity," McKinney says. "I'll just keep scoring runs and see where it takes me."

The Bazball Factor

While embracing England's aggressive approach, McKinney maintains fundamentals:

• Combines traditional technique with modern strike rates
• Uses height to attack unpublishable lengths
• Demonstrated adaptability across formats

His development mirrors England's evolving Test identity - making him one to watch in the coming Ashes cycle.