Klinger, 36, was rewarded with a long-awaited call up to face Sri Lanka for their Twenty 20 series.
And although he was part of a largely second-string side, his consistent form with the bat suggested he could have a part to play for the Aussies moving forward.
Klinger's age might count against him but scores of 38, 43 and finally 62 only boosted his chances of further caps in the short form of the game.
He gave Australia - who lost the T20 series on home soil - a platform at the top of the innings with his impressive ball-striking.
Despite his steady showing on the biggest stage, Klinger was passed up for a pay day in the Indian Premier League.
Klinger, valued at £60,000, went unsold in this week's auction.