MICHAEL Klinger has given Gloucestershire a massive boost by announcing he has signed a new two-year contract.

Aussie Klinger told the Gazette in June that he had not had talks with the county about renewing his contract but now he had committed himself to the county.

Klinger said: “I am delighted to commit to Gloucestershire for the next two seasons.  I am extremely grateful that the club has given me some flexibility to be able to spend the majority of April and May with my family in Perth as, with such busy schedules in both Australia and the UK, this extra time to be a ‘normal dad’ is very important to me.

“I see my role over the next two seasons as continuing to score runs and helping Gloucestershire win games of cricket, but also to help develop future leaders at the Club.

“The improvement I’ve seen on the field with this group of players over three years is immense and I can’t wait to continue the journey with such a great bunch of guys and support staff.  It is vital for the Club to keep this group of talented players together and in doing so, I can see some very special things happening at Gloucestershire in the near future and I want to be part of that.”

Klinger has been in excellent form this season and over the last year in Australia. He finished top run scorer in the 2014-15 Big Bash – which he won with Perth Scorchers –  helped Western Australia to the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup and was the second highest scorer in the Sheffield Shield as Western Australia finished runners-up.

Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson said: “It’s fantastic news for the Club and supporters that Michael has signed a contract extension to keep him at Gloucestershire for the next two seasons.

“He’s been an integral part of the Club both on and off the pitch.  His performances with the bat this year have been fantastic in all formats and he continues to help the development of this group of players in the changing room.  With Michael deciding to sign a new contract this development can continue.”