Captain Klinger Meets His Troops
4 April 2013
Michael Klinger was at Kidderminster today meeting up with his Gloucestershire team-mates for the first time on the second day of the two-day friendly against Worcestershire.
The club's new captain flew into England with his wife and two young children yesterday and can't wait to embark on a full season of county cricket.
In an exclusive interview for this website, Michael said: "I met a few of the guys yesterday, but today is my first real chance to get together with the squad.
"We have a match against MCC Young Cricketsrs near London on Sunday and Monday, which I will play in, and then it will be on down to Chelmsford for the opening Championship game against Essex.
"I had a break with my family in Melbourne at the end of the Australian season and we also spent four days in Singapore to break up the flight to England for our children.
"I didn't have the greatest season back home, although I did okay in the one-day format, so hopefully I have saved up stacks of runs for my time with Gloucestershire.
"As captain I am very much aware of the need to concentrate on my own game, as well as leading the team, and I will be looking for us to maintain an intensity to our cricket over the course of the Essex game.
"It is too early to talk about targets, although I am sure the coaching staff have some in mind. I need to get to know the players before deciding what I believe we are capable of this season."
Michael and his family - wife Cindy and children Bailey and Summer - will be based at Stoke Bishop and are currently adjusting to the unseasonal temperatures.
"I have been eagerly anticipating joining Gloucestershire for some time and the excitement is growing now the start of the season is so close," he said.
"Unfortunately, a couple of our quick bowlers have suffered injuries, but that will test the strength of our squad in the early games.
"Essex have some good players and it is not an easy start for us, but there is no excuse for a lack of intensity at this time and I hope we can put in a good performance.
"I played a one-day game at Chelmsford last season during my time with Worcestershire so it is a venue I am familar with.
"I am so looking forward to spending a whole summer in county cricket and the opportunity to be captain is one I really relish."
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