McKay wants to make most of opportunity

Clint McKay is hoping to make the most of his call-up to the Australian team for the one-day series against India.

The 26-year-old was one of several replacements rushed out to the sub-continent after a host of players were forced to withdraw due to injury.

McKay admits it will be tough to hold down a place in the team once everyone is fit, but he is keen to prove his worth in the final two games against India.

"You hope," he told AAP. "The guys out from injury will come back in the side, there is always a pecking order, but as soon as you get an opportunity you have to make the most of it so when another one comes you are top of the list again.

"I am realistic about the way things are."

It's been a meteoric rise for the all-rounder this year. After playing a starring role for the Bushrangers in the Champions League, McKay then received a surprise call-up to the national side.

"From being over here in the Champions League, Shane Harwood and Damien Wright, senior guys for Victoria, said no matter what happens just have smile on your face, walk back to your mark and do it again," he said.

"There's going to be days when they hit fours and sixes, the batsman is allowed to play a good shot."

McKay finished three for 59 in his debut match and captain Ricky Ponting was pleased with his contribution.

"He was very good, he was calm under pressure," Ponting said. "We had to experiment late in the innings, with lots of different slower balls and things to try and take some wickets. Full credit to Clint, he executed things really well, a really good debut on that sort of wickets, I think he ended up with 3 for 50-odd off his ten, and that's as good as anyone."