Clint McKay swaps the green and blue of Yorkshire for the green and gold of Australia on Thursday but already he credits his time at Headingley with making him a better cricketer.

The Victorian hopes to feature in a one-off one-day international against Ireland in Dublin followed by the five-match series against England.

His inclusion in the 14-man party may shock some supporters of the White Rose county, who have seen him disappear at a rate of ten runs an over in his four Friends Provident Twenty20 matches.

But the 27-year-old Aussie sees it as another part of his learning curve.

“It’s been a challenge, but challenging things are what makes this game so good,” said McKay, who is expected to resume his Yorkshire career on July 4.

“It can be very rewarding when things work out. At other times, you want to tear your hair out.”

McKay is a late developer, having only truly announced himself two Australian summers ago when starring for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield.

His spell at Yorkshire has therefore been somewhat of a leap into the unknown.

“Every time you play in different conditions, it makes you a better player,” said McKay, who donned the baggy green cap for one Test match in December.

“Also, you want to see the team improving. We’ve seen that at Yorkshire over the four games so far. There are three games in four days now and if we win two of those, we’re high up on the table.”

While Yorkshire are locked in the first of those battles with Lancashire, McKay will be busy plotting the downfall of England and looking to add to his ten ODI appearances.

But he will not forget about Yorkshire and said: “I get on well with most of the lads and I’ll be keeping in touch. Hopefully we can push for a place in the finals.”