His rousing send-off marked the conclusion of seven glorious years at Gloucestershire for Klinger, the 39-year-old from Victoria. The end of an era.
Klinger had been the hero in the previous match, striking his eighth T20 century in the win that guaranteed the team a place in the last eight - driving the final delivery of the innings over long-off for a ninth four and a 65-ball century, including four sixes, in the win over Kent.
“It’s been a fantastic seven years,” he reflected. “I’ve made lifelong friends and seen the club progress so much during the time I’ve been here.
“When I first arrived we didn’t have a new pavilion or a main stand and the team was a mixture of younger players and a couple of experienced ones. I’ve seen the whole young group come through and turn into outstanding cricketers. I’ve seen a club grow and I’ve seen individuals grow.”
Cricket took a back-seat for Klinger and his family a couple of years ago when his wife, Cindy, was diagnosed with cancer. He took a sabbatical from the game and retired from first-class cricket - while she received treatment.
Klinger explained he will be “forever grateful” to everyone at Gloucester for being there for him during this difficult period.
“We love Bristol and it’s been a fantastic place for my family,” he said. “They have been incredibly supportive and helped look after my wife and children as well as I could ever imagine.
“I’d like to think I’ve made an impact both on and off the field and have hopefully left a bit of a legacy at the club.
“Our supporters have been brilliant this season and it’s a real buzz to play in front of them.
“I’ll miss my team-mates, especially the ones who have been with me throughout my time at the club.”
He expressed disappointment that he was unable to bow out in style and secure a second T20 title. Asked to name the highlight of his years within English County cricket, Klinger does not have to think for long. “It’s hard to go past the one-day final at Lord’s in 2015 when we beat Surrey,” he said.
“But I also enjoyed all the Championship victories I was involved in because such a lot of work goes into winning a four-day game.
“I have loved playing in front of big crowds on our home ground.”
His one regret will surely be missing out on a Test career with Australia, as despite being one of the most consistent run-scorers in the game, he was continually overlooked, and never played in an Ashes series.
"I am not too sure yet what the next stage of my career is going to be,” he said. “I will certainly look at going into coaching or the management and administration side of sport. I’ve done my masters in business and sport and it is now a case of seeing what opportunities come along.”
