MICHAEL KLINGER returns to lead Gloucestershire in the NatWest T20 Blast clash with Essex at Bristol tomorrow (Sunday).

The 34-year-old Australian arrived back in this country on Thursday following a hugely successful winter down under that saw him finish leading run-scorer in the Big Bash, helping Perth Scorchers lift the trophy.

Klinger was also part of the Western Australia team who won the domestic 50-over competition and finished runners-up in the Sheffield Shield.

Now, after his first break from cricket in three and a half years, he is looking for continued success with a Gloucestershire side who have recorded a victory and a defeat in their opening NatWest Blast group matches.

“I needed a break from the game after seven consecutive seasons back home and in England and feel really refreshed,” said Klinger.

“Now I am ready for what I hope will be a season to remember with Gloucestershire. It has started pretty well and I am arriving with something to build on.”

Freed from the responsibility of captaincy in four-day cricket and with his family only visiting England this summer, rather than staying with him for the duration, Klinger is hoping life will be a bit more relaxed.

“I’ll be talking to head coach Richard Dawson about what the team have been doing well in my absence and hopefully we can carry it on,” he said.

“There is no reason why we shouldn’t challenge strongly in all competitions. There is a good feel about the place and some of the results already have been very encouraging.”

Klinger will team up with fellow Australian Peter Handscomb as the two overseas players in Gloucestershire’s T20 line-up.

Head coach Richard Dawson said: “It’s great to have Michael back. As well as being a top quality batsman, he is a huge influence on our dressing room.

“The atmosphere at our first NatWest Blast home game against Middlesex was fantastic and the game lived up to it, so hopefully it’s more of the same against Essex.

“We expect Ravi Bopara to be back for them and with players like Shaun Tait, Napier, Fozzie and others, we expect nothing other than a really tough game.

“The South group is a tough division, but we hope Michael’s return will strengthen us and the signs so far have been encouraging.”