ByDarren Witcoop, Darren Witcoop
BATSMAN Michael Klinger has been told he is not past his sell-by date as he battles to pull on an Australia shirt.
At 35, Klinger, arguably one of the two best Jewish cricketers of all time - the other being fellow Aussie Julien Wiener - is running out of time to finally force his way into a soon-to-be revamped Australian side.
With the selectors set to turn to youth after their Ashes defeat to England, age could be a barrier for the Gloucestershire and Western Australian player.
But retiring veteran batsman Chris Rogers, who launched his international career at the same age, has told his country’s national selectors not to overlook Klinger as his potential replacement as opener.
Rogers said: “It’s wrong to discount those guys who are getting better. I look at Michael Klinger and I think he is one man who looks like he is still learning the game and wanting to improve.
“I think a few people had a certain impression of me, particularly with my age, and to be able to change that was quite satisfying. Others could do the same.”
Klinger, however, has failed to win selection for the upcoming Twenty20s
or one-day internationals. But he refuses to give up his dream of pulling on the Baggy Green, adding: “All you can keep doing is put up performances and keep doing the right things.
“The good thing is I’ve been able to perform in all three formats, so at least consideration-wise when sides get picked, you hope your name is up there for consideration.”