Justin Langer says he'll push for the veteran right-hander's inclusion in Australia's T20 series against Sri Lanka
Aussie T20 coach wants Klinger in
Perth Scorchers coach Justin Langer says he'll do everything he can to ensure veteran batsman Michael Klinger gets a long-awaited call-up into Australia's T20 squad.
Klinger scored an unbeaten 71 off 49 balls to lead the Scorchers to a crushing nine-wicket victory over the Sydney Sixers in Saturday's KFC Big Bash League final at the WACA Ground.
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The 36-year-old is yet to earn international honours, despite an outstanding domestic career in first-class, one-day, and T20 ranks.
But Langer, who will coach Australia in the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka next month, wants Klinger in the national squad.
"I might have a say. I don't know how much of a say. But I'll certainly be putting his name up," Langer said.
"He's just shown over so many years what a champion he is. I know it would be a dream come true for him (to earn a call-up).
"It's a bit like Chris Rogers and Adam Voges - some of those senior players have an impact. Even if it's just for three games, Klinger deserves it.
"He's helped us win three games this year off his own bat. He's an outstanding person. He deserves to be enjoying that success."
Klinger scored three half-centuries during the BBL campaign, and captained the side when Adam Voges missed several games with a hamstring injury.
The right-hander has been one of the most consistent batsmen in domestic competitions in both Australia and the United Kingdom, having played the last four seasons for English county side Gloucestershire.
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He was in the hunt to replace Usman Khawaja for last summer's day-night Test against New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval, only for selectors to recall Shaun Marsh instead.
"It's hard to know how close I actually was to Test selection," Klinger said at the time.
"I just heard what was said in the media.
"When you think you're close and you miss out, it's certainly disappointing.
"But it must be a tough job for the selectors. There's a lot of good players around.
"I definitely still harbour hopes to represent Australia, whether it's in the baggy green, or maybe one-day or Twenty20 cricket over the summer.
"Hopefully one day it will go my way. It's made me hungrier to one day achieve it and keep performing well."
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The three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka starts on February 17 at the MCG.