A proficient top-order batsman known for his technical batting acumen, Michael Klinger had a prolific cricketing career spanning nearly 20 years, first with his native Victoria and later with South Australia. His years of consistent success was finally rewarded when he got an international call-up at the age of 36, becoming the oldest player for Australia to make a T20I debut.

Klinger is no stranger to leadership roles; under his captaincy, South Australia secured victories in the 2010-11 Big Bash and the 2011-12 Ryobi Cup.

Klinger served as the head coach for the Melbourne Renegades in the men's Big Bash League for two seasons starting in 2019. Additionally, he took on the role of assistant coach for the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL last year.