In 2004, McLean, who held a British passport, trialled in England for Hampshire and was signed by the county after averaging over 80 in the Second XI Championship. Commenting on his potential, Hampshire Director of Cricket Tim Tremlett described him as an "exciting player" and a part of their future plans.[5] His debut for Hampshire came in a first-class match against Kent in the 2005 County Championship. McLean played six County Championship matches in 2005, but made just one appearance in the 2006 County Championship.[2] In these seven matches, he scored 302 runs at an average of 33.55, with four half centuries and a highest score of 68.[3] He made eight appearances in one-day cricket in 2005 and one in 2006,[4] scoring 60 runs with a highest score of 36.[6] McLean also made six appearances in the 2006 Twenty20 Cup,[7] scoring 39 runs with a highest score of 23.[8] McLean was released by Hampshire following the 2006 season, alongside Richard Logan.[9]
Following his release by Hampshire, McLean played minor counties cricket for Berkshire from 2008 to 2011, making twenty appearances in the Minor Counties Championship and eighteen in the MCCA Knockout Trophy.[10][11] Following the end of his playing career, he set up a company which employed former Hampshire cricketer Tom Parsons; this company ultimately failed, but McLean and Parsons went into business together and formed a new company.[12]
