Klinger re-signs for 2015
4 September 2014
Michael Klinger has signed a contract with Gloucestershire for next season and will be returning for a third year as captain.
The new agreement will commence at the beginning of June 2015, allowing the 34-year-old Australian to take a break from cricket after his winter back home with new club Western Australia.
Gloucestershire will therefore have the opportunity to recruit a different overseas signing for the first two months of next season until Michael arrives in time for the two domestic one-day competitions as well as the remainder of the LV=County Championship campaign.
Michael said: “I am delighted to have signed for next season as I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years with Gloucestershire and foresee a bright future for the club.
“I have been playing cricket almost non stop for the past five years, so I am sure it will do me good to have a break from the game. It will also enable me to get my family settled at our new home in Perth and arrange schooling for my children.
“I felt there was progress in our one-day cricket this season, while our Championship form was hit by a number of unfortunate injuries. With another year’s experience under their belts, I am confident our younger players will be even stronger next summer.”
Gloucestershire Director of Cricket John Bracewell said: “We are very pleased that Michael will be rejoining us and it is important that he arrives back fresh, rather than burned out from too much cricket.
“His break will enable us to examine different avenues as far as recruiting an overseas player for the start of next season, so it is the right agreement for him and the club.”
Michael put pen to paper on his new contract before flying home to Australia today, having had his second season with Gloucestershire cut short by a broken arm suffered in the Royal London One-Day Cup group match against Derbyshire.
Gloucestershire Chief Executive Will Brown added:“We’re absolutely delighted that Michael will be joining us for the 2015 season. He’s proven to be a great leader both on and off the field and as an in form and in demand player his commitment to us shows that we have a team that can be a force to be reckoned with.”
