Klinger named Redbacks’ captain
MICHAEL Klinger has been named captain of the South Australian Redbacks, after just two seasons at the club, replacing wicketkeeper Graham Manou.
PROLIFIC South Australian batsman Michael Klinger has been named captain of the Redbacks, after just two seasons at the club.
He replaces wicketkeeper Graham Manou, and will have Australian one-day batsman Callum Ferguson as his deputy.
“It’s an honour to be endorsed by the hierarchy at the SACA [South Australian Cricket Association],” Klinger told The AJN.
“Jamie Cox, the high performance director, as well as the board have to approve this decision, so for them to believe that I can do the job is an honour and pretty exciting as well.”
Despite a largely disappointing season in 2009/10 for the Redbacks, Klinger believes it is an exciting time to take the reins. The 29-year-old said he is keen to foster the talent of the Redbacks’ younger players, but believes a more disciplined approach is called for.
“Last season, with two games to go in the one-day format and four-day format, we were still in the hunt to make the finals and we just fell away. It’s about putting procedures in place to bring the talent out, while making sure we stay disciplined through the whole season.”
Klinger was first earmarked as a potential future leader in 1999 when he captained the Australian under-19 side. He said he would also draw on his experiences under other mentors.
“I’ll take different bits and pieces from different captains and coaches I’ve had along the way. Darren Berry [former Bushrangers captain] was a very fitness-oriented captain, and the innovative approach of someone like a Shane Warne, who I probably played around 10 games under. They’re both guys I will hopefully speak to over the next couple of months to get some ideas off them.”
Since crossing from Victoria in 2008/09, Klinger has twice won the State Player of the Year award and been arguably the most dominant batsman in the limited overs and four-day domestic competitions.
Many believe the cricketer is close to a call-up for national duties, and he’ll have another chance to prove himself to the Australian selectors when he joins the Australia A team to face Sri Lanka in June.
But if Klinger is to get his chance, he will need to pile on the runs again in this year’s Sheffield Shield and Ford Ranger Cup competitions — a feat he believes the Redbacks’ captaincy will help, not hinder.
“When I go out and bat I’m pretty focused and I think [the captaincy] will only focus me more. I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t added pressure, but I think I’ll enjoy that. My goal of playing for Australia hasn’t changed. Now it’s just an added challenge for me to get together a really strong, cohesive group that will go on to win tournaments.
ADAM KAMIEN
PHOTO: Michael Klinger in action for the Redbacks last season. Photo: Mike Burton/Adelaide Advertiser
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