Skipper Up For Somerset Clash
14 May 2014
Michael Klinger is excited at the prospect of leading out Gloucestershire in front of a packed County Ground crowd for Friday evening's opening NatWest T20 Blast game against Somerset at Bristol.
The skipper believes the weather forecast for a warm night will ensure a bumper attendance and pledges to have his team ready to entertain and compete strongly with their arch-rivals.
Michael told this website: "The Somerset game is a fantastic prospect and it promises to be a huge night for everyone involved with our club.
"We have a few new game plans in place for T20 cricket this season and the fact that we start with a two point deficit in our group means we have nothing to lose.
"The atmosphere at the ground on Friday will be amazing and we will do all we can to give our supporters a night to remember."
While Somerset have had a free week to prepare for the game, Gloucestershire have spent the first four days of it playing Surrey at The Oval in the LV=County Championship.
Thursday will be a rest day for the players, who will come in for a special T20 training session prior to facing Somerset on Friday.
Michael explained: "We are convinced of the importance of keeping the players fresh mentally and physically this season, so it is right that they should have a day off after the Surrey match.
"We were able to practice some T20 skills in the indoor nets at The Oval when play was interrupted by rain and we will do more work on Friday.
"If we can stick to our game plans and execute our skills properly I am sure we can make it a tough evening for Somerset."
David Payne is hoping to have recovered from a bruised heel in time to play, while Ian Cockbain's skills as a one-day batsman are likely to earn him a place in the side.
