New Gloucestershire captain Michael Klinger to assess squad before setting targets
New Gloucestershire captain Michael Klinger says he will evaluate the squad before deciding what is realistic for Gloucestershire next season.
Appointed as successor to Alex Gidman on a two-year contract, the South Australia batsman has yet to discuss targets for the forthcoming 2013 county campaign with director of cricket John Bracewell.
While admitting he will rely heavily upon Gloucestershire's senior players for information and advice, Klinger insists he will formulate his own opinions as the season unfolds.
And he will take his time before ascertaining exactly how much Gloucestershire's young squad can achieve in Championship, one-day and t20 cricket.
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"I've spoken a fair bit to John Bracewell, but we have not discussed targets in depth as yet.
"Our initial conversations have been about me coming over, but certainly in the coming weeks we will be chatting and going over what his goals are.
"I will be leaning heavily on his guidance, as well as that of the senior players, and once I get to know the squad better I will be able to make up my own mind about what is realistic.
"I know we have some experienced professionals, who I will have to lean on initially when I come over. It will take a while for me get to know all the players, what they can do and what periods of a game they perform best in, particularly when it comes to one-day cricket."
Although Kilinger sought out ex-Gloucestershire overseas locum Ed Cowan to find out more about the squad he will lead over the next two seasons, he already has knowledge of some players.
He revealed: "I watched Ed Young play a T20 game in Australia the other day and he scored a hundred off 50 balls against my club team Kensington. He looked really impressive so I know there is a lot of talent among the younger players at Gloucestershire.
"I have played against Hamish Marshall in my younger days at Under-19 level and when I toured New Zealand with the Australian Cricket Academy, but I haven't seen him for ten years or so.
"I haven't met Alex Gidman yet, but he has been in contact with me by email offering any help I might need.
"Speaking to Ed Cowan, who was with Gloucestershire last year, I believe there is a great group of lads at the club so I can't wait to get over there and join them."
A brief spell with Worcestershire last season whet Klinger's appetite to play county cricket and he jumped at the chance to captain Gloucestershire.
He said: "John Bracewell gave me call towards the end of last year and threw the idea at me, asking if I would be interested.
"I have been wanting to play a full summer of county cricket for a long time now and got the opportunity to play for eight weeks with Worcestershire last season. That was a fantastic experience, despite all the rain which made batting difficult, and made me hungrier still to come back for more.
"The added chance to captain a side and look to help them improve and progress made Gloucestershire's offer even more appealing. I look forward to passing on some of my experience to the younger guys in the squad."
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