Mentored by Clint McKay, Cam McClure has high hopes for the Under-19 National Championships

At just 18 years old and already over 200cm, Cam McClure has high hopes for the future ahead of an Under-19 National Championships campaign with Vic Country.

Cam McClure celebrates a wicket for Essendon’s First XI. Picture: Arj Giese

Compared to the world’s No.1 Test bowler Pat Cummins and having former one-day international star Clint McKay as a mentor, Cam McClure could be the next big thing in Australian cricket.

The 205cm paceman prefers to think of himself as a right-handed Mitchell Starc, but is more than happy to be his own man.

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McClure had a November to remember after being named in the Vic Country Under-19 National Championships squad shortly before making his Premier Cricket First XI debut with Essendon.

The 18-year-old made an instant impact, snaring four wickets in each of his first two matches.

“It was pretty exciting, getting both was pretty big for me,” McClure said.

Cam McClure knocks over Dandenong's Lincoln Edwards. Picture: Arj Giese

“Some people say I have an action like Pat Cummins, I like to bowl with a bit of speed, I don’t like to hold back.”

Former Essendon captain McKay continues to be a sounding board, while established pacemen Matt Doric and Tom O’Donnell are role models at Windy Hill.

“Clint’s been my mentor for a few years now, he’s been really good for my development,” McClure said.

“We’re pretty close – even now when he’s at Brunswick – we’ll still talk a lot and catch up.

“Matt Doric has played a lot of First XI cricket and state stuff as well, it’s good to feed off those blokes and pick their brain.”

After two First XI games at Essendon, the young tearaway has eight wickets at an average of 16 and strike rate of 22.

Cam McClure is mobbed by teammates after claiming his first wicket. Picture: Arj Giese

It’s a stunning rise after he fractured his shoulder as a 17-year-old.

McClure is expected to take the new ball for Country as the national championships kick off on Sunday in Perth.

The Maryborough native hopes a strong showing on the pace-friendly WA pitches will put him in the frame for Australia’s Under-19 World Cup squad.

“That’s the plan, to hopefully go well and then head over the South Africa,” McClure said.

“I’m just focusing on the now and Perth, but that would be awesome to get the opportunity to represent Australia.”