The Perth Scorchers have signed experienced batsman Michael Klinger for the 2014-15 Big Bash League season.
Klinger joins the Scorchers from the Adelaide Strikers after making 663 runs at an average of just under 35 and a strike rate of almost 120 in the first three editions of the BBL.
The former Australia A representative has also played Twenty20 cricket with Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Kochi Tuskers Kerala, making more than 2000 runs in 77 matches with an average above 30 and strike rate of more than 120.
The 34-year-old and his family will move to Perth after also opting to leave the South Australian Redbacks to join the Western Warriors in April.
Klinger, who is playing in the UK with Gloucestershire, said he was looking forward to playing in front of the ‘best fans in the land’.
“Playing at ‘the Furnace’ in the Big Bash is a fantastic venue,” he said. “It’s one of the best crowds in the BBL, so I cannot wait to call Perth home.
“It was always daunting playing at the Furnace as an opposition player with such a supportive and loud crowd. I’m looking forward to now playing with the crowd on my side.”
The addition of Klinger provides important experience following the retirement of skipper Simon Katich.
“Hopefully, I can add the experience and steely resolve that, as an opposition player, was obvious that Simon brought to the group,” Klinger said.
“They are very big shoes to fill because he is a champion player and person but, hopefully, I can go some way in replacing the influence Simon had on the group.”
Scorchers coach Justin Langer not only hailed Klinger’s experience, but also his character and skill.
“I am still pinching myself at the prospect of having Michael play for us this summer.
“His experience, character and skill will be a welcome addition to both of our squads, and, he will give us the flexibility to bat anywhere in our order.
“Having spent his career batting in the top three, Michael has the ability to make runs anywhere and against any opposition,” Langer said
Current Scorchers squad:
Ashton Agar, Michael Beer, Jason Behrendorff, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Michael Klinger, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Joel Paris, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Voges, Sam Whiteman.
