Klinger calls time on first-class career
After 182 matches, Michael Klinger has called stumps on his storied first-class career spanning almost two decades, but will still play T20 cricket.
AFTER 182 matches, 11,320 runs and 30 centuries, Michael Klinger has called stumps on his storied first-class career which began almost two decades ago.
The 37-year-old Perth Scorchers star will continue to play T20 cricket in the Big Bash League and around the world, but his main focus will now turn to supporting his wife through her recent breast cancer diagnosis, and their young family.
“I need to send a huge thank you to my family for all their support, in particular my wife Cindy and kids Bailey, Summer and Easton, who have travelled with me for the last 10 years, both interstate and overseas, to give me the best opportunity to chase my dreams,” Klinger said.
A prodigious young talent who hailed from the Melbourne suburb of Kew and attended Mount Scopus Memorial College, Klinger will forever be remembered as one of the most prolific domestic cricketers to never have donned the baggy green or represent his country in One Day cricket.
Finally, after 18 years, Klinger’s national dream was realised, albeit in the T20 arena, when he represented Australia in three matches against Sri Lanka last summer.
“I feel extremely fortunate and blessed to have been part of the Australian domestic cricket structure for 19 years in a row and I’ve loved and appreciated every minute of it,” Klinger said.
His cricket journey began three decades ago with the Maccabi AJAX Cricket Club, and he has since left a lasting mark with several teams, namely Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia at Australian domestic level and English counties Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.
Nine seasons in his home state didn’t quite deliver on the hype which he attracted as a junior, and still to this day he remains the only Australian batsman to have been declared on when 99 not out.
Klinger thanked all three states he represented for their support through the different stages of his career.
“Firstly, to Cricket Victoria for their help and support in my development and giving me my initial opportunities in domestic cricket in Australia.”
AARON FETTER
KLINGER’S FIRST CLASS CAREER SNAPSHOT
VIC: 37 matches, 1481 runs, average of 26.4
SA: 57 matches, 4214 runs, average of 43
WA: 31 matches, 2094 runs, average 42.7
AUS A: 9 matches, 343 runs
UK: 46 matches for Worcestershire & Gloucestershire, 3100 runs, average of 44.9
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