Michael Klinger has signed a new contract to return as Gloucestershire captain next season.
The 34-year-old will return to lead Gloucestershire for a third season, although his deal will not begin until June to allow him a break from the game.
Klinger will take a two-month hiatus to allow him and his family to establish themselves in Perth, where the right-hander will move to this winter after signing for Western Australia.
“I am delighted to have signed for next season as I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years with Gloucestershire and foresee a bright future for the club,” Klinger said.
“I have been playing cricket almost non stop for the past five years, so I am sure it will do me good to have a break from the game. It will also enable me to get my family settled at our new home in Perth and arrange schooling for my children.”
Klinger flew back to Australia today after an injury-interrupted season was eventually cut short by a broken arm suffered in the Royal London One-Day Cup group game against Derbyshire on August 21.
Klinger helped steer the club to the quarter-finals of that competition and feels further improvements can be made next term in all formats.
“I felt there was progress in our one-day cricket this season, while our championship form was hit by a number of injuries,” he said.
“With another year’s experience under their belts, I am confident our younger players will be even stronger next summer.”
Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell welcomed Klinger’s new deal and confirmed the club would look to sign an overseas player for the first two months of next season in his absence.
“We are very pleased that Michael will be rejoining us and it is important that he arrives back fresh, rather than burned out from too much cricket,” he said.
“His break will enable us to examine different avenues as far as recruiting an overseas player for the start of next season, so it is the right agreement for him and the club.”
Gloucestershire chief executive Will Brown added: “We’re absolutely delighted that Michael will be joining us for the 2015 season.
“He’s proven to be a great leader both on and off the field and as an in form and in demand player his commitment to us shows that we have a team that can be a force to be reckoned with.”