Michael Klinger: “I have fantastic memories of my time with the Scorchers”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Perth Scorchers batsman Michael Klinger has announced that he will retire from the Big Bash League (BBL) after the ongoing season.

Klinger joined the Scorchers from the Adelaide Strikers in 2014 and played a pivotal role in leading the team to a lot of success over the past four seasons as they won two titles.

The 38-year-old has struggled in the ongoing BBL season as he has scored 115 runs in nine games at an average of 12.77 and a strike-rate of 83.33.

Klinger was even dropped for the Scorchers’ match against the Hobart Hurricanes on January 18, but he will be back in the squad for his side’s final home game against the Melbourne Stars on February 3.

“This season so far has not gone to plan for both myself but more importantly the team and I’m looking forward to seeing the Scorchers get back to the top where we belong next season,” Klinger was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“I have fantastic memories of my time with the Scorchers and I’d like to thank my teammates, coaching and support staff and all our fantastic fans for making my time so meaningful and enjoyable at this great club. Also, a huge thank you to my family for their continued unconditional support.

“I’m looking forward to what the future holds for me in cricket either on or off the field.”

Scorchers coach and Klinger’s former teammate Adam Voges lavished praise on the Melbourne native’s contributions over the years.

“Maxy’s contribution to the Perth Scorchers has been outstanding,” Voges said. “On the field his record speaks for itself and he has played a huge part in our success in recent years. Off the field you will not meet a nicer person who always puts the team’s needs ahead of his own.”

It should be noted that Klinger is the second-highest run-scorer in BBL history with 1,917 runs, which includes a century and 12 fifties, in 70 matches at an average of 30.42.