Ken McClure is a 22-year-old Cantabrian with a First-Class batting average of 53, so we asked him some questions...

After wrapping up the 2015/16 Plunket Shield season with a few runs, how'd you spend your time in winter? 

Had surgery on my right hip, thanks to some cartilage floating around in there

Describe the feeling of stepping into Plunket Shield cricket and stacking up notable scores fairly quickly - did it fill you with confidence that you can perform at this level?

It was nice to start the season with runs in club cricket and in the pre-season games we had, I took a lot of confidence into the Plunket Shield campaign. When I got my first 50 against Auckland it gave me a sense of belonging at this level.

Do you have an attacking shot that you rely on to get yourself out of trouble, or are you the type of batsman who can patiently sit through a good spell of bowling by leaving/defending? 

I'm more of a sit through a good spell type of guy.

Canterbury have some quality veterans leading the team so was there a piece of advice or wisdom from the likes of Peter Fulton, Andrew Ellis or Todd Astle that has stuck with you? 

Back myself and have trust in my own game.

Who is the fastest bowler in the Canterbury squad?

Ed Nuttall, left-arm quick!

Fancy yourself as a bowler? What do you bowl and how well do you bowl it?

Bowl some really nude off-spin when I'm allowed to bowl in the nets.

Favourite meal to eat after a long day's play?

Love mums beef and rice

What is your go-to training method for batting?

I spend a lot of time facing the flinger or side-arm then do with drill work with throw downs.

If you could a young batsman some training advice, what would it be?

Enjoy the times were you do get runs and succeed because there’s so many ups and downs as a player and as batsmen.

Favourite cricket ground and why? 

Hagley Oval because it is my home ground, also has the best food

Funniest Canterbury team mate? 

Funniest team mate would have to be Tim Johnston

What goals have you set yourself for this season?

Would love to crack into the top-10 Plunket Shield run-scorers but mainly just being a leader with the bat in the middle order for Canterbury 

Canterbury will win the Plunket Shield this season because... 

We have a great mix of youth and experience. We have had recent success in the competition which will be good as we'll be able to call on those experiences times get tough.