Ryan McCone

Ryan McCone holds the Plunket Shield record for a batsman scoring a ton on debut batting at number nine. He achieved that feat against Otago while playing for Canterbury - the place where he was born and started his cricketing career.

A right-hand medium pace bowler and left-hand bat, McCone was more a batsman in the initial cricketing days, but around 16 years old he turned himself into a bowler. In fact, while playing for Lancaster Park-Woolston Cricket Club, McCone was the highest wicket-taker and that is how he made it to the Canterbury side.

In 2008, he was part of the squad that played against the touring England side, but he didn't do much and had to wait a year to make his first class debut. It was a memorable outing for him, when the top order had failed, McCone along with Kruger van Wyk, who also scored a ton, bailed Canterbury out of trouble and help them post 315 in the first innings. However, that remains his only hundred in the four-day format.

McCone continued playing the longer form without breaking into the List A or the T20 side. It was only in 2011 he made his 50-over debut and year later followed it up by playing his maiden T20 game for Canterbury.

Though he is a consistent member in all three formats and also has a couple of five-fers in List A, McCone is considered a four-day bowler and that is evident with his 100-odd wickets.

McCone, who started with Canterbury, moved to Central Districts when he was nearing his 30s and has been a pivotal member for the Stags. He also extended his contract with the side and will stay with them for the 2018/19 season.