We Can Make It Day To Remember - Michael
25 August 2013
Michael Klinger insists Gloucestershire can reach the Yorkshire Bank 40 semi-finals by upsetting the form book in tomorrow’s big West country derby at the County Ground.
The club are preparing for one of the biggest days in their history when Somerset visit Bristol for the winner-takes-all final Group C match (1.45pm start).
Whatever the outcome, the game will see the official opening of the fantastic new pavilion at the County Ground, which should be a huge asset to the Gloucestershire’s long-term future.
But if Klinger and his team can win and gain a place in the semi-finals at their arch-rivals’ expense, the occasion will live even longer in the memories of supporters.
Somerset have won all three one-day games against Gloucestershire this season and were easy victors on their last trip to Bristol in the Friends Life t20 tournament.
For all that the skipper is convinced his side can win tomorrow if they produce their very best 40-over form.
Michael told this website: “We beat Glamorgan in our last YB40 game without being anywhere near our best, which was encouraging in a way.
“We know that if we can improve in certain areas we can be a match for anyone, even Somerset, who I consider the best team in the competition.
“It’s straight knock-out and hopefully will be near a sell-out. With the opening of the pavilion, it is a huge occasion for Gloucestershire and I am sure it will be a great game.
“There will be some superstar players in the opposition and in some ways it might be described as a David and Goliath contest.
“But if we are close to our best we can take on Somerset. We will chat about the previous games against them and pinpoint where they were lost.
“We know all there is to know about Somerset now and will have the advantage of our home conditions.
“The wind has been a factor in most of our home games and we understand how to use it probably better than our opponents.”
Michael will be a key player for his side. He is averaging 94 in the competition and enjoying every minute of it.
“I love one-day cricket in general and have been as successful in it as anyone for the last five years back home in Australia so this really a continuation,” he said.
Hamish Marshall admits that Gloucestershire have not been at their best against Somerset this season, apart from in the first T20 clash at Taunton when they lost to a sliced boundary from Yasir Arafat off the penultimate ball…
“We have probably let ourselves down on a couple of occasions against them this year, but in the one tight game at Taunton we played very well,” said the experienced batsman.
“They are a side capable of punishing any weaknesses so we have to be right on our game from ball one, either putting a really good score on the board or bowling them out relatively cheaply.
“It’s nice to be at home for such a huge game, but we still have to do the job to make that advantage count.
“Somerset are a very well balanced side for the format with power at the top and through the middle of their batting order, plus some very experienced bowlers.
“It is a great challenge for us, but that is what you play the game for. We know if we win it will be a victory very well earned.”
Director of cricket John Bracewell will certainly relish another chance to plot the downfall of the old enemy.
Asked if he was looking forward to the challenge, John replied with just two words: “Oh yes!”
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