'Citi Golf' McLaren eager to serve Knights

Ryan McLaren was at the peak of his career when he likened himself to a Citi Golf. Four years later, it's fair to say that he's been around the block.

The comment was made during India's visit at the end of 2013, when McLaren was doing his best to quell South Africa's expectations of all-rounders as the "Rolls Royce" of the trade, Jacques Kallis, wound down. Since then McLaren has enjoyed a spell in South Africa's one-day side, dealt with the emotional pain of missing out on selection for the 2015 World Cup, and been a regular presence in both South African and English domestic cricket. At the age of 34 he is as experienced as they come in the South African franchise system.

Judging the state of South African cricket, with its ever-changing landscape, can be a challenge. Some coaches who have been witness to domestic cricket over the past 20 years believe it is weaker than it has ever been. And yet there is no shortage of young, high-quality players emerging to make their mark at international level.

Having made his first-class debut in 2003, McLaren has been around long enough to assess, but his time in England has also allowed him perspective. "I'm just excited to see the amount of talent coming through. For me it's just how we manage that talent," he tells Cricbuzz. "Our school system is so strong and is continually producing these extremely talented people, but how are we going to manage them to make sure they can represent South Africa for a long time?"

McLaren's concerns are not so much at international level, where the "uncoachable talent" of Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram soon finds itself. Instead it is the domestic game where he believes management is at a premium.

In part this is because of the unique dynamics created by the transformation quotas - since 2015, domestic teams have been required to field six non-white players, of whom three must be black African. While McLaren is not one to challenge the system that has been imposed by Cricket South Africa as it tries to create opportunities for racial groups that were previously disadvantaged, like many others he is conscious of the mental and emotional effects.

"We know what the challenges are of playing cricket in South Africa, and you know the commitment you are making by wanting to play cricket in South Africa," he says. "You've got to face it and you've got to accept that those are the terms when you decide to play. For me the management and communication is key, that there is a transparency and an honesty so that the players know what's going on."

McLaren's own value was outlined in England this year when he represented Lancashire as an overseas player. Turning out in every County Championship match, he took 45 wickets at an average of 25 and scored 602 runs at 33 in Division One. His contributions since returning home have been equally valuable to the Knights, who have lacked reliable performers in the ongoing Ram Slam T20.

McLaren says his priorities now lie with the Knights as he looks to settle down to family life in Bloemfontein. Yet, while he has plenty to offer as a senior statesman, McLaren knows that the dynamics of the South African system do not guarantee him a contract or game time. With only five spots available in any XI, and no shortage of young talent desperate to force its way in, it is the older white players who can find themselves sidelined.

"The challenge is that if you need to leave players out of squads or contracts, it's more likely to be the older guys," admits McLaren. "The funny thing is that in county cricket, 36- and even 38-year-olds are regarded as a valuable asset, probably because conditions are suited to being able to last a bit longer there. But their value is in performing the role of senior player in the team.

"For some reason over here, when a guy gets to 34 or 35 he is seen as being past his sell-by date, which is sad because if you speak to the younger guys, they say that as much as they rely on the coach for the knowledge and tactical expertise, a lot of the time they would like to have more senior players to bump ideas off and learn more about the game. It's something I feel we need to be conscious of going forward."

For the time being, the Knights' top-order fragility has allowed McLaren to underline his ongoing value to the franchise - his last three innings in the Ram Slam have yielded 84 runs from 59 balls, and have come when they were in desperate need of a late boost. As much as things have changed at the Knights in recent years, with their Sunfoil Series victory last season confirming a shift in ambition since former South Africa international Nicky Boje became coach, so McLaren sees their strengths remaining the same.

"A guy like Nicky has tried to freshen things up by bringing in someone like Theunis (de Bruyn) as a young and ambitious captain. I definitely sense the change in the environment. There's more energy in the group and a good vibe, and a good combination of experience. There is a feeling of punching above our weight because we don't have big stars - with the exception perhaps of David Miller - but in part that's because we have a family-orientated group of people that use that as their strength to perform without relying on the big names."

Compared to a Protea-laden Titans outfit, it would not be unfair to liken the Knights to a Citi Golf. As McLaren recommits himself to their cause, they will hope he still has plenty in the tank.