Warriors veteran Michael Klinger has announced his retirement from Australian first-class cricket, but he’s still keen to continue his Twenty20 career with the Perth Scorchers.
Klinger’s Sheffield Shield career was effectively ended in October when he was told he would struggle to get a game in the four-day format this season.
The 37-year-old was given permission to play in the Bangladesh Premier League, and he was back in time to feature for the Perth Scorchers in the BBL.
Klinger is keen to continue his BBL career, as well as fulfil his commitments in the UK and Bangladesh.
But it’s unlikely he will feature in any of WA’s remaining two Shield matches this season.
Klinger has amassed 11,320 runs at an average of 39.3 in first-class ranks.
He started his career in Victoria in 1998, before joining South Australia in 2008.
Klinger linked up the Warriors in 2014 after being told his future opportunities at the Redbacks could be limited.
The classy right-hander continued to pile on the runs at WA.
And although he never quite managed to fulfil his Test dream, he got to represent Australia last year when he played three T20 matches.
Klinger’s retirement from Australian first-class cricket will allow him to spend more time with his wife Cindy, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in December.
Klinger thanked the cricket associations of Victoria, South Australia, and WA for the influence they had on his career, and also WA coach Justin Langer.
And he saved special thanks to his wife Cindy and his three kids.
Langer lavished praise on the influence Klinger has had on the team.
“The greatest compliment I could give Michael Klinger is to explain how I’ve been pinching myself every day since he agreed to come to the WACA, because he’s such an incredible cricketer and incredible bloke,” Langer said.
“We nickname him Matt Priddis, because he’s the consummate professional.
“He is an outstanding person both on and off the field and it’s been an absolute pleasure to have him here at the WACA.”
WA sit fifth on the Shield table, and will probably need to win their last two games – against Queensland and South Australia – if they are to have any hope of reaching the final.
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