Klinger blasts back into T20 form
Good news regarding his wife Cindy's health has allowed opening batsman Michael Klinger to head over to the UK and lead Gloucestershire once again in the T20 Blast.
AFTER four months off, Michael Klinger is re-energised both physically and mentally and is back doing what he does best.
Good news regarding his wife Cindy’s health has allowed the recently turned 38-year-old to head over to the UK and lead Gloucestershire once again in the T20 Blast.
Klinger dusted off the cobwebs in game one with a run-a-ball 21 facing Somerset and then found form against rivals Middlesex with a match-winning knock of 58 at the top of the order.
The Gloucestershire captain’s typically assured innings was ended by West Indies veteran all-rounder Dwayne Bravo after 49 balls and three boundaries.
Klinger also came up against West Australian teammate Hilton Cartwright and Stevie Eskinazi, who is believed to have a Jewish background.
After retiring from first-class cricket in March this year and the uncertainty around his wife Cindy’s cancer diagnosis, there was thought that Gloucestershire’s popular overseas star would not return for a sixth season at the Bristol County Ground.
But Klinger revealed some positive news: “Cindy had some good results about six weeks ago and once we got those I was able to confirm that I would be coming over again” he said. “She still has to have some ongoing treatment but from where she was five or six months ago we’re in a much better place.”
Since finishing his Australian domestic cricket commitments in March, Klinger has needed to be around a bit more at home, but when it was agreed that he’d play in the T20 Blast, he stepped up his training and preparation.
“Before flying over I had done some preseason work with Western Australia and I’ve had a good week’s practice here to get my skills in order and ready to go,” Klinger said.
After a week of birthday celebrations, Klinger took to social media to voice his excitement about returning to the crease.
“Great to be back playing T20 cricket again for Gloucestershire in the Vitality T20 Blast. Sixth season at my second home. Good luck to everyone involved!”
The Vitality T20 Blast, the UK’s Big Bash runs through to the middle of September.
AARON FETTER
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