The selection of Klinger for three T20s with Sri Lanka later this month comes after he was the third-leading run scorer in this summer’s Big Bash. He is also the all-time leading run scorer in BBL cricket, with 1,608 runs at an average of 36.54.
And he is in prime form after playing a key role in Perth Scorchers being crowned the 2017 Big Bash champions.
He smashed an unbeaten 71 off 49 balls to see his side home although his a long-awaited call-up comes at a time when a string of first choice players are unavailable due to the tour of India.
Klinger will be Australia’s second-oldest debutant in any format in the past 30 years, with only Bryce McGain older on his 2009 Test debut.
