Michael Klinger: Gloucestershire captain praised by Marshall

Gloucestershire captain Michael Klinger has been an "outstanding" example to the team, says batsman Hamish Marshall.

Australian Klinger surpassed 1,000 one-day runs for the 2013 season in his side's YB40 victory against Glamorgan on Sunday.

And the 33-year-old is nearing the same feat in Division Two, having hit 893 runs in 11 matches.

"His consistency in all forms has been outstanding this season," team-mate Marshall told BBC Gloucestershire.

"For all the guys watching on the sidelines - from young to old - it's an exhibition and it's something we can all learn from."

Klinger previously played for Worcestershire, Australia 'A', South Australia and Victoria before agreeing to join Gloucestershire as their overseas player in December.

He says feeling settled in Bristol has helped his form this season.

"I think you play your best cricket when you're in a good environment," he said. "I'm at a club which makes cricket enjoyable and fun.

"They've made my family feel very welcome and for me that's very important. Credit goes to the club for making me feel comfortable."

Klinger (87) and Marshall (55) put Gloucestershire well on course to pass Glamorgan's 247-7 in Sunday's game, but they only managed to finish off the match with the penultimate ball, eventually winning by two wickets.

Somerset and Gloucestershire are level on 15 points at the top of Group C and if Glamorgan fail to beat Leicestershire next Sunday, the West Country rivals will go head-to-head in their final group game to secure a place in the knockout stages.

"We've got some improvements to make if we're going to beat Somerset," admitted Klinger.

"But in a way it's a good sign. If we can beat a team who are second when we weren't at our best than we can certainly take Somerset on."