Clint McKay the real Gabba hero?

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James Faulkner is being widely lauded as the hero behind Australia’s thrilling Carlton Mid ODI win over England at the Gabba last night, but the man himself and thousands (well, a few) on social media have been quick to pay tribute to ‘solid as a rock’ No.11 Clint McKay.

In an innings to remember, McKay crafted two runs from nine balls in a masterful display as he and Faulkner notched a 57-run, final-wicket partnership that led the home side to a win to remember with three balls to spare.

Faulkner conceded after the match Australia looked likely to go down to England for the first time this summer, but he was happy to back-up McKay’s brilliant knock with 69 runs of his own.

“Yeah it was looking that way (like Australia would lose) wasn’t it? But, once again, Clint McKay hung around,” said Faulkner.

“He’s got a beautiful forward defence, and we saw it again tonight.”

Cricket fans the world over were also gushing in their praise of McKay, whose two runs came at the impressive strike rate of 22.22.

“Big ups to #ClintMckay for being a good supporting batsman. The English were after him bigtime, haha,” tweeted @LimuelMartine.

“Would just like to make mention of Clint McKay kept his wicket on a night where few could. #unsunghero,” tweeted @jacob_gooden.

“Was my favourite part of that last over Clint McKay chasing after James Faulkner? Probably, yes,” @FirstDropBeth excitedly declared in the post-match aftermath.

“Clint McKay you legend for being able to support James Faulkner and stay in!,” exclaimed @blackwellachlan.

“What a knock from Clint McKay! Legendary @clintmckay27,” was @OllieWurn’s bang-on tweet.

“How about well done to Clint McKay? Dude HAD to stay in. Good, smart cricket,” was @d_wolff’s assessment of McKay’s knock.

“Credit must also be given to Clint McKay who hung around for a brilliant 2,” was @SideBySidePies’ contribution to the McKay love-in on social media.

“Clint McKay... The way you stood at the non strikers end was amazing. An innings to be remembered,” said @HeapsOfDudes.

“Clint Mckay stiff not to get man of the match there #AUSvENG,” was a very valid point raised by @TheChineseDrive.

And how did the “people’s” man of the match reflect on the night? With understated deference, unsurprisingly.

“Wow what a night. @FaulknerC25 remarkable. #amazing.”

McKay’s score of two was his ninth not out and took his career ODI run tally to 189. Had he faced more deliveries there’s no doubt that he would’ve threatened his highest score of 30 given the form he was in.