Big Bash League Franchise Perth Scorchers’ coach Justin Langer has urged Cricket Australia selectors to include Michael Klinger in Australia’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, which starts from February 17 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
“I might have a say. I don’t know how much of a say. But I’ll certainly be putting his name up. He’s just shown over so many years what a champion he is. I know it would be a dream come true for him (to earn a call-up),” Langer was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au
The Victoria-born right-hander batsman played an important role for Scorchers to win BBL 2017 when he scored 71 off 49 balls against Sydney Sixers to chase down the target of 142 with nine wickets in hand.
The Western Australia-born Langer will coach the Australian squad against Sri Lanka for the next month’s T20 series.
“He’s helped us win three games this year off his own bat. He’s an outstanding person. He deserves to be enjoying that success,” Langer said on Klinger.
Langer, however, said he’ll try to convince the selectors for his inclusion in the side on the basis of merit.
“It’s a bit like Chris Rogers and Adam Voges – some of those senior players have an impact. Even if it’s just for three games, Klinger deserves it,” Langer added.
The 36-year-old Klinger is yet to earn an international call for Australia even after giving best of the performances in the domestic circuit.
However, he was in line to break into the Australian Test squad before missing out the day-night Test against New Zealand when Shaun Marsh was called up.
“It’s hard to know how close I actually was to Test selection. I just heard what was said in the media. When you think you’re close and you miss out, it’s certainly disappointing,” Klinger said.
After Adam Voges suffered from a hamstring injury and missed few games for Scorchers, Klinger smashed three fifties before becoming highest run-getter for this BBL season.
“There’s a lot of good players around. I definitely still harbour hopes to represent Australia, whether it’s in the baggy green, or maybe one-day or Twenty20 cricket,” Klinger added.
For four seasons, Klinger has also been a consistent performer for English County team Gloucestershire.
“Hopefully one day it will go my way. It’s made me hungrier to one day achieve it and keep performing well,” he concluded.
In 177 first-class appearances, Klinger has scored 11,125 runs at an average of 39.93, which includes 30 centuries and 48 half-centuries.