Former Australia batter Michael Klinger looks back at his journey, coaching role, and views on age in cricket

Michael Klinger believes age is just a number if a player stays fit and performs well on the field. After waiting years for an international chance, the batter played a short stint for Australia, including scoring 62 runs in the third T20I against Sri Lanka at Adelaide in 2017 before his international career ended.

Career and Coaching

Klinger scored a total of 24,729 runs across First Class, List A, and T20 matches during his playing days. He also opened the batting alongside Brendon McCullum in the IPL. Today, he works as a sought-after coach on the global franchise circuit and trains the Gujarat Giants team in the Women's Premier League. He recently spoke to The Hindu in Kochi on the day after the WPL's mini auction.

Gujarat Giants and Women's Cricket

Klinger expressed happiness regarding the strong support for the women's game in India, noting that the players get to perform in front of large crowds. Discussing the Gujarat Giants team, he noted that the side finished at the bottom in the first two editions of the WPL but improved significantly to qualify for the playoffs back-to-back in the last two seasons.

Context

The Women's Premier League brings together top international and domestic players in franchise-based T20 cricket across India. Coaches like Michael Klinger bring years of international playing and global league experience to guide these teams through mini auctions and tournament seasons.