Glos pair tipped for World T20 selection
5 January 2016
Gloucestershire’s overseas stars Michael Klinger and Andrew Tye have been tipped to make Australia’s squad for the ICC World T20 Cup after starring for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL).
The form of the two team mates has helped Scorchers to second in the BBL standings after five games and led to calls for them to make their international debuts at the tournament in India in March.
National selector Mark Waugh picked out right arm seamer Tye as a contender for selection during commentary for BBL broadcaster Channel 10. His view was endorsed by Scorchers and ex-Australia spinner Brad Hogg, who also backed Gloucestershire player of the year Klinger to receive a call-up.
Speaking about Tye – who enjoyed a breakthrough season last year and is currently the joint 5th highest wicket taker in BBL 5 – Hogg said: “He’s come of age. He came on the scene last year from grade cricket. It’s amazing how a new player just steps up and performs.
"We needed him to step up last year and he took the pressure on and did well. He’s doing it again too.”
Klinger was topscorer in last year’s Big Bash League and the NatWest T20 Blast and has followed it up with 205 runs (current 4th highest) at an average of 68 in BBL 5.
And Hogg said his team mate’s performances deserved to be recognised with a chance to play at the highest level.
He said: “I think he deserves it. He’s been around the traps, he works hard and his performances speak for themselves.
“He’s got the runs on the board over the last couple of years.
“Sometimes those opportunities don’t come to those players. I just would like to see Klinger represent his country at some level. “
Tye wouldn’t be drawn on his international chances but joined Hogg in backing Gloucestershire captain Klinger for World T20 selection.
He said: “The man deserves a crack for Australia in some form.
“He’s been on top of his game for the last 12 to 18 months. He’s up there with the best that’s going around at the moment.
“I’ve got a job to do out here for the Scorchers – that’s my only focus at the moment. I’ll just do what I do and if I get that call I get that call. I’m not thinking about it too much.”
Both Tye and Klinger won the Big Bash League and domestic one-day cup with the Scorchers and Western Australia respectively last year.
