Michael Klinger - next in line for Tests?

[Tambaran]

With all the flapping about White, whose technique is still questionable as a first-class batsman, why has everyone overlooked Klinger?

This guy has been absolutely ripping domestic cricket apart for nearly two seasons now, scoring heavily in both Shield and FRC, with remarkable consistency. He was always a highly-rated junior, has an excellent technique and if we're looking for stability at No. 6, surely he has to be first in line.

He can be stodgy, but as seen by his 92 (81) setting up a declaration earlier this season, and his FRC form, he certainly has a sparkling attacking game.

So why isn't he being given more credit on here? By weight of numbers, age, and technique, he should be right up there.

[kaysee]

With all the flapping about White, whose technique is still questionable as a first-class batsman, why has everyone overlooked Klinger?

This guy has been absolutely ripping domestic cricket apart for nearly two seasons now, scoring heavily in both Shield and FRC, with remarkable consistency. He was always a highly-rated junior, has an excellent technique and if we're looking for stability at No. 6, surely he has to be first in line.

He can be stodgy, but as seen by his 92 (81) setting up a declaration earlier this season, and his FRC form, he certainly has a sparkling attacking game.

So why isn't he being given more credit on here? By weight of numbers, age, and technique, he should be right up there.


Yeah, he has been heavily discussed as a likely replacement for the struggling North in the "North Threads"

1st cab off the rank IMO.

[alfy!]

How old is he?

[Tambaran]

30 in July

[The Falcon Strike]

Your point about him being stodgy is the main reason.

Number 6 needs to be able to lift the pace and put on quick runs if we are going well - whilst also putting up a wall in case of early collapse. Because of this i reckon S Marsh will be next in line, however I reckon C Rogers should be

The consensus seems to be Klinger can do the second and not the first. And one innings of quick run scoring isn't going to change that. And you would think at 30 his game isn't going to change that much.

however Hussey went from being a stodgy opener to a fluent middle order batsman in ODI - so no reason why Klinger can't - however i reckon the selectors will want to see a bit more strokeplay - as quick runs gives you more times to get your opposition out and therefore create wins.

[Rohan25]

I think the selectors have earmarked Marsh as the next in line, and they probably still have White in front of Klinger.

[Selective Retention]

He took too long to leave Victoria. Yeah he had a good year last season but the selectors won't pick a batsman who's in their late twenties and had one good season. Ok he is backing it up this year but it's too late, they will be looking for younger players in the situation we are in now.

[Knight Ryders]

I think the selectors would prefer to pick White or Marsh ahead of Klinger, but if he keeps piling on the runs, they will surely have to give him some strong consideration.

I personally would not have thought 30 is too old given that he could probably play for another 3-6 years. He definitely would add some much needed 'metal' to our middle order that has been ripped through a few times of late.

[crownie]

He took too long to leave Victoria. Yeah he had a good year last season but the selectors won't pick a batsman who's in their late twenties and had one good season. Ok he is backing it up this year but it's too late, they will be looking for younger players in the situation we are in now.

i dont think that will be considered as good form is good form.

but i think they have Steve Smith in mind for the next number 6 to replace North in the short term.

[Selective Retention]

i dont think that will be considered as good form is good form.

Rogers would have played ahead of Hughes this summer if that was the case, it isn't.

[Tambaran]

Steve Smith is way too young and inexperienced. Needs to work on his game, not be thrust into the Test side.

[King Elvis]

I think the selectors would prefer to pick White or Marsh ahead of Klinger, but if he keeps piling on the runs, they will surely have to give him some strong consideration.

I personally would not have thought 30 is too old given that he could probably play for another 3-6 years. He definitely would add some much needed 'metal' to our middle order that has been ripped through a few times of late.

Playing for the Redbacks would have to be a bonus; he's used to watching the side crumble around him.

[Hellgood]

Maybe not in style but I think he would be similar to Marcus North, if picked. North came in after years of runs in the shield, but has shown he is not quite a test batsman (despite some pretty good scores early in his test career). If Klinger is picked I can see the same thing, a great shield batsman, but an average test batsman. Would like to see him get a go, but I haven't given up on North yet. It has to be out of North, Marsh, Klinger and White for the number 6 spot. It will be a disgrace if Smith gets picked now.

[Belnakor]

Rogers would have played ahead of Hughes this summer if that was the case, it isn't.

Rogers isn't out of the team based on form, that has been spoken about many, mnay times.

They pick the "best available" for test matches, i would expect Klinger and Marsh would be competing, though i would think Klinger would be more suited to the No.6 role whereas S.Marsh would come in if a middle order batsman lost form or was injured.

[Belnakor]

Steve Smith is way too young and inexperienced. Needs to work on his game, not be thrust into the Test side.

would expect him to play some ODI at least first!

[Tambaran]

What exactly has Shaun Marsh done at Shield level to deserve a Test spot? He's still pretty inconsistent as a first class cricketer.

[Belnakor]

Well his first class record doesn't jump off the page but averaging 41 at ODI level means he will be at the front of selectors minds

[Tambaran]

I'm a bit undecided on his ODI stats. 75 isn't a great S/R in this day and age. Yes, he can play the straight man to Watto's aggression, but like Gilly/Haydos or Gilly/Waugh, both Waugh and Haydos were capable of amazing hitting. Marsh just seems too conservative and limited in shots.

[The Falcon Strike]

I'm a bit undecided on his ODI stats. 75 isn't a great S/R in this day and age. Yes, he can play the straight man to Watto's aggression, but like Gilly/Haydos or Gilly/Waugh, both Waugh and Haydos were capable of amazing hitting. Marsh just seems too conservative and limited in shots.

Marsh's T20 record speaks volumes for his hitting and array of strokes. It does strike me as a team instruction the way he is playing.

[saj_21]

Klinger has done more than many others over the past 18 months to push for higher honours. But i still see him behind White and Marsh who have solid first class careers and are now starting to make runs against international attacks at ODI level. They can both also bat suiting the tempo of the game, they can build an innings or go out and hit a quick 50 or 60 if needed and are younger than Klinger.

For wat ever reason i am unsure Klinger doesn't seem to be at the fore front of Australian selection right or wrongly. As another poster said with the comparison of Hughes and Rogers to replace Katich in Sydney test (although a lil bit different as it was only for one test not a full time replacement). Selectors are erring on the side of youth this summer when picking replacements.

[Tyberious Funk]

The problem with Klinger is that after a very promising junior career, he basically did SFA for Victoria, until the point that he was relegated to being a club cricketer. There's no doubt that he's had two outstanding seasons. But he has a many years of absolute crap to make up for.

IMHO, he should still probably be ahead of Marsh. But the selectors are idiots, so who knows. I mean, these are the guys that think that Smith is a spin bowler :rolleyes:

[Ill Chicken]

The problem with Klinger is that after a very promising junior career, he basically did SFA for Victoria, until the point that he was relegated to being a club cricketer. There's no doubt that he's had two outstanding seasons. But he has a many years of absolute crap to make up for.

That is ridiculous. So a batsman gets it right then he has to make up for not getting it right? Where is the logic in that?

[Adelaide Hawk]

That is ridiculous. So a batsman gets it right then he has to make up for not getting it right? Where is the logic in that?

This is BigFooty. If you want logic you need to look elsewhere. In here people just blurt out the first silly idea that comes to their heads.

[HBF]

I think the selectors have earmarked Marsh as the next in line, and they probably still have White in front of Klinger.

Ferguson would have to be close when he comes back from his knee reco. Will be very interested to see who the selectors pick for the tour of NZ in March.

[DIG]

I'm a bit undecided on his ODI stats. 75 isn't a great S/R in this day and age. Yes, he can play the straight man to Watto's aggression, but like Gilly/Haydos or Gilly/Waugh, both Waugh and Haydos were capable of amazing hitting. Marsh just seems too conservative and limited in shots.
Have you seen him in T20?? He can go berserk, all over the park.

But yeah he can get bogged down and frustrated at himself sometimes too.

[Tyberious Funk]

That is ridiculous. So a batsman gets it right then he has to make up for not getting it right? Where is the logic in that?

No, it just means he has to prove that he really has "turned the corner" so to speak, and that he is genuinely fulfilling his true potential, rather than just enjoying some (temporary) good form.

The problem with Klinger is that he has shown that he is capable of being very, very crap for a sustained period of time.

[The 747]

Steve Smith is way too young and inexperienced. Needs to work on his game, not be thrust into the Test side.

Considering he averages more than 46 already at fc level and Klinger's feats over the past couple of years have lifted his average to a mighty 41.22...........and do not forget he is from NSW so Aus representation is mandatory.

Pecking order IMO
Smith - can bat, can bowl a bit, gives an X factor at number 6 which we prefer, granted the X factor may turn out to be the :mad: factor.
White
Marsh
Khawaja
Ferguson - would be first if fit

Something like that, I doubt Klinger is even under vague consideration....

[Ill Chicken]

No, it just means he has to prove that he really has "turned the corner" so to speak, and that he is genuinely fulfilling his true potential, rather than just enjoying some (temporary) good form.

The problem with Klinger is that he has shown that he is capable of being very, very crap for a sustained period of time.

How's that different to someone like Ferguson, Cosgrove or Henriques?

[Tambaran]

Considering he averages more than 46 already at fc level and Klinger's feats over the past couple of years have lifted his average to a mighty 41.22

Er, sample sizes here are pretty important. Hussey once averaged 90-odd, didn't he?

[bipolarbeaR]

Get Paine in early! We keep on bringing in 30 year olds, if we bring in someone at 26 they can have an experienced 8-10 year career instead of 3-4 year careers.

[Tambaran]

Paine has been pretty average as bat in FC cricket, has a lot to learn before he can match up to Haddin's batting (better than Haddin as a keeper, but Haddin has improved recently).

[King Elvis]

Another ton.

[Tambaran]

Keeps banging down the door in every form of cricket he plays.

[bombersno1]

Hardly. There are better batsman ahead of him, plus he is a bit on the old side. I'd rather have Steve Smith in the side in 12 months time than have Klinger. Where we like it or not Hughes, Jaques and Smith would be ahead, plus Callum Ferguson.

[barry fu]

Too old.
We have Hussey 35 this year.
Pointing 36 this year.
Katich 35 this year.
Marcus north 31 and struggling.
Haddin 33 this year.
Leaving Shane Watson at 29 this year and very injury prone, and Micheal Clarke also 29 this year the two youngsters of the line up.
You would think at the most Haddin, Hussey, Katich and Pointing have two more years in them. North maybe two more series, but thats if the team is winning.
A massive rebuild is on the way and Klinger would only add to it over the next 2 years.

[Tambaran]

He's 29 FFS. That's not old. That's the age we normally bring players into the Aussie side.

[HSSB]

Hardly. There are better batsman ahead of him, plus he is a bit on the old side. I'd rather have Steve Smith in the side in 12 months time than have Klinger. Where we like it or not Hughes, Jaques and Smith would be ahead, plus Callum Ferguson.
He's 30, Hussey was 30 when he started, although I do agree with you that Smith is ahead of him, especially in the age factor, plus Smith can bowl very well. Callum Ferguson is a better player them him IMO aswell.

[HSSB]

Too old.
We have Hussey 35 this year.
Pointing 36 this year.
Katich 35 this year.
Marcus north 31 and struggling.
Haddin 33 this year.
Leaving Shane Watson at 29 this year and very injury prone, and Micheal Clarke also 29 this year the two youngsters of the line up.
You would think at the most Haddin, Hussey, Katich and Pointing have two more years in them. North maybe two more series, but thats if the team is winning.
A massive rebuild is on the way and Klinger would only add to it over the next 2 years.
It's funny how Watson and Clarke are 'youngsters' when they are 29! Although I can see them both playing for max. 5 more years each. We have a really strong A team, with players that are waiting to play such as Smith, S.Marsh, M.Marsh, Ferguson, Paine, Geeves, Nannes, Rimmington, Hopes, Harris, White, Henriques, Warner and Hilfenhaus just off the top of my head, although a few of the players I stated are debateable.

[SIR SAINT HOTDOG]

it is absolutely ridiculous and utterly disgraceful that Klinger has not been picked for Australia yet. It sickens me, that Shaun Marsh is ahead of him considering his averages in first class cricket are severely inferior to that of Klinger's. Klinger is by far the best batsman not playing for Australia at the moment and thoroughly deserves to be given a shot in either form of the game as he keeps piling on these runs.

[barry fu]

He's 29 FFS. That's not old. That's the age we normally bring players into the Aussie side.

Not normaly, just of late. Other than Hughes who the selectors burnt and Siddle, in previous eras they would have given young players a run.
30 this year in relation to what age the rest of the team is your right, he is a baby.

[SIR SAINT HOTDOG]

Hardly. There are better batsman ahead of him, plus he is a bit on the old side. I'd rather have Steve Smith in the side in 12 months time than have Klinger. Where we like it or not Hughes, Jaques and Smith would be ahead, plus Callum Ferguson.


you must be the worst observant of cricket. How can you honestly say that any of those players are ahead of him. In my opinion he is so far in front of those players it is laughable. Just please take a bit of time out of your life and have a look at his stats during the past two years in both forms of the game.

[Cousin Jed]

it is absolutely ridiculous and utterly disgraceful that Klinger has not been picked for Australia yet. It sickens me, that Shaun Marsh is ahead of him considering his averages in first class cricket are severely inferior to that of Klinger's. Klinger is by far the best batsman not playing for Australia at the moment and thoroughly deserves to be given a shot in either form of the game as he keeps piling on these runs.

If anyone was advocating to pick Klinger when Marsh was first picked in the One Day setup they would have been shipped off to the funny farm.

[barry fu]

It's funny how Watson and Clarke are 'youngsters' when they are 29! Although I can see them both playing for max. 5 more years each. We have a really strong A team, with players that are waiting to play such as Smith, S.Marsh, M.Marsh, Ferguson, Paine, Geeves, Nannes, Rimmington, Hopes, Harris, White, Henriques, Warner and Hilfenhaus just off the top of my head, although a few of the players I stated are debateable.

It just depends on Clarkes back issues if he could go another 5 years, the same with Watson, he might have to give away the bowling to last that long.

[The Falcon Strike]

If anyone was advocating to pick Klinger when Marsh was first picked in the One Day setup they would have been shipped off to the funny farm.

still not sure I'd have klinger in the odi side - but he is screaming now to be picked in the test side.

What he is starting to show is he can score quickly - which is essential at 6 -

[Rids]

Probably not next in line - but he should be, form over a 2 year period (which is easily long enough) is a long way ahead of any other batter not in the test team. I suspect Smith and White are next in line (don't think the selectors see Marsh as a test prospect).

I don't see 29 or 30 as a problem either. That age tends to be the peak age for batsman and we have had great success with players picked or recalled around that age (i.e. Langer, Hayden, Martyn, Hussey).

[apollo_creed]

He's 30, Hussey was 30 when he started, although I do agree with you that Smith is ahead of him, especially in the age factor, plus Smith can bowl very well. Callum Ferguson is a better player them him IMO aswell.
No, he's not.

Ferguson is the most overrated player on these boards.

He's barely even had one good season at domestic level.

[Wally Carter]

Nup.

Out - North
In - White

That is all.

[Tambaran]

If anyone was advocating to pick Klinger when Marsh was first picked in the One Day setup they would have been shipped off to the funny farm.

Not really. Klinger was a very good one-day player well before he finally struck gold in Shield.

No, he's not.

Ferguson is the most overrated player on these boards.

He's barely even had one good season at domestic level.

He's being picked on potential, much as Clarke was. Has excellent technique and temperament and his ODI performances have been brilliant from the get-go.

Whether that is right or wrong is another question - see below.

Nup.

Out - North
In - White

That is all.

Would be a poor choice. Unlike Ferguson (or Hussey, for that matter), an extended run in ODI has shown how loose a technique White has (as opposed to Ferg and Huss, where it showed the quality of their technique).

In ODIs, this is manageable because it helps White be flexible. At Test level, he will more than likely get eaten alive. He needs more time at Shield level tightening his technique.

White as a package is attractive in the Test team given the questions over Clarke's captaincy (and lack of a quality slipper), but White certainly doesn't have the batting game yet.

[apollo_creed]

To be honest mate. I've never been a fan of Ferguson's batting.

Capable of scoring quickly, lofting shots and a lot of pretty stuff but big scores and high levels of concentration are not his thing.

Reminds me a lot of Blewett. Who had one particular technical flaw which was badly exposed at international level.

Despite being technically superior to most Ferguson does or did (don't know whether it's been seen to) have the same problem as Blewett. Very suspect against the inswinger because of the gap between bat and leg.

Time will tell, I suppose.

[Tambaran]

Interesting point. Most batsmen have that susceptibility though (to quality bowling), Blewett's was just more pronounced. I hadn't noticed it particularly with Ferg.

Regardless of our views, I suspect the selectors have him pencilled in for a top-6 Test spot and I wouldn't be surprised if he's slotted in soon after he returns from a knee injury.

I see what you mean about his levels of concentration, although this seemed to improve in the season or so before his knee injury. Which coincided in his selection...

[redragger]

No, he's not.

Ferguson is the most overrated player on these boards.

He's barely even had one good season at domestic level.

To be honest mate. I've never been a fan of Ferguson's batting.

Capable of scoring quickly, lofting shots and a lot of pretty stuff but big scores and high levels of concentration are not his thing.

Reminds me a lot of Blewett. Who had one particular technical flaw which was badly exposed at international level.

Despite being technically superior to most Ferguson does or did (don't know whether it's been seen to) have the same problem as Blewett. Very suspect against the inswinger because of the gap between bat and leg.

Time will tell, I suppose.

Don't even bother around here mate, people get things in their head and refuse to listen to rational thought. I'm still waiting for someone to give me a genuine reason as to why Ferguson should be in the Test team. All people say is 'Ferguson is next in line', or 'if Ferguson didn't do his knee he'd be in the Test team by now', yet they don't give any reasons. I simply don't understand it...

4 centuries in 88 innings at FC level, batting on an absolute highway. I mean FFS, when will people wake up?

[The Governor]

I think Cameron White is next in line for a batting position in the test match line up. He can bat at 4 or 5 and he can certainly change the course of the game. Secondly, he is an excellent first slip fieldsman and he has a sharp cricket brain!!

You wonder why the late Hookesy picked him as Victoria's One Day Captain in 2002-2003!!

With Mike Hussey on borrowed time at the minute, I would look at bringing in Cameron White into the test line up during the up and coming NZ and Pakistan test series.

Secondly, Aaron Finch is the man who we should keep a close eye on. He is the ideal man to replace Ponting at the top of the order!!

THE GOVERNOR

[apollo_creed]

the biggest thing that brings this board down is the high proportion of victorians.

very one eyed and narrow visioned.

[HSSB]

I think Cameron White is next in line for a batting position in the test match line up. He can bat at 4 or 5 and he can certainly change the course of the game. Secondly, he is an excellent first slip fieldsman and he has a sharp cricket brain!!

You wonder why the late Hookesy picked him as Victoria's One Day Captain in 2002-2003!!

With Mike Hussey on borrowed time at the minute, I would look at bringing in Cameron White into the test line up during the up and coming NZ and Pakistan test series.

Secondly, Aaron Finch is the man who we should keep a close eye on. He is the ideal man to replace Ponting at the top of the order!!

THE GOVERNOR
Agree with this post

[Tambaran]

I think Cameron White is next in line for a batting position in the test match line up. He can bat at 4 or 5 and he can certainly change the course of the game. Secondly, he is an excellent first slip fieldsman and he has a sharp cricket brain!!

You wonder why the late Hookesy picked him as Victoria's One Day Captain in 2002-2003!!

With Mike Hussey on borrowed time at the minute, I would look at bringing in Cameron White into the test line up during the up and coming NZ and Pakistan test series.

Secondly, Aaron Finch is the man who we should keep a close eye on. He is the ideal man to replace Ponting at the top of the order!!

THE GOVERNOR

Great pisstake :):thumbsu:

[Adelaide Hawk]

I would love to see Maxie get a green baggy, but I just don't think he's what the Aussie selectors are looking for.

[saj_21]

With the age of our batting line up;

Katich 34
Ponting 35
Hussey 34

And a struggling north

There will be opportunities for state cricketers to push for Aussie selection particularly after the ashes.

IMO White should be next in line, with Klinger, Marsh, Feguson and Bailey to be there abouts. And younger guys such as Khawaja, Smith, Finch M.Marsh there is a bit of promise there.

P.S. could victoria plz piss off Lloyd Mash and play Michael Hill (for the benefit of Australian cricket)

[western royboy]

Yeah but we Vics have had years of grief thrus upon us by the exclusion of Elliot, Hodge and now Rogers.

FWIW, I wouldn't have picked 'em either and I'm definately not picking Cam White to play as a Test Batsman, nor Ferguson nor Klinger, nore Steven Smith (yet).

Having said that who is actually banging on the door..........

My concern is that by the increasing professionalism of our domestic comp and the $$ that goes with it means that we are getting more "journeymen" in the domestic scene than ever before.

This is holding back some of the talent getting through. As a proud Vic, I cannot bag NSW everytime they get a new player in the Aus side as they appear the only state that seems to put kids in the cauldron (particularly batsmen) early and let them develop.

Saj hit on the best recent example Vics play Lloyd Mash instead of Michael Hill....FFS

[kaysee]

I hope he gets selected for either ODI or Tests (at expense of North)... but wont keep my hopes up.

The selectors are stuck in yesteryear with their selection policies... in that they really dislike granting new caps (especially in Tests to keep the "baggy green" a well earnt item).

IMO, whilst this is good for nostalgia etc... I don't think it makes the best team... especially for ODIs.

Most sports promote young talent early to the biggest stage to empower their development. CA seem to stemmy young stars.

IMO for tests they should promote up comers more often (helps keep pressure on existing team) and have a debutants "baggy green" system in place, something like:

- Debutant receives and wears a "baggy gold" cap for their first N tests (N= 10 or 20 or however many is suitable).
- Once they play in their Nth test they are then "promoted" and proven to be worthy of a baggy green.

* Perhaps a captains "baggy" could be made unique in some manner too... Baggy Green with a black stripe etc.

my .02

[King Elvis]

Keep in mind we've just come out of one of the most dominant periods in Cricketing history, and there wasn't any positions available or any need to throw young kids into the side to get them going. We struggled to get Lehman, Hodge, Hussey etc in their for years, when you had players of that calibre outside of your 11, you wouldn't even look at the kids.

The next 12-18 months will be the most interesting as the bulk of our gun bats (Katich/Punter/Hussey) are very close to the end, North could be finished already.

How they handle this will tell you what they're theory is; I'm expecting a few guys around ~28 to get a go to try and provide some experience and stability in the side as kids like Marsh and Khawaja are brought in to replace retiring stars.

[matty p]

Klinger should probably be next in line. I'd only really consider Klinger, Hughes, Marsh, G. Bailey and Ferguson at this stage.