Test dream alive for Klinger

Veteran batsman Michael Klinger isn't giving up hope of cracking through for a dream Test debut, saying his recent near miss hasn't quashed his spirit.

Klinger was in the hunt to replace injured batsman Usman Khawaja for last week's day-night Test against New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval, only for selectors to recall Shaun Marsh instead.

Marsh scored 49 in the second innings against NZ to ensure he would hold his spot for the start of the Test series against the West Indies, with Khawaja aiming to return in time for the Boxing Day Test.

Klinger has been one of the form batsmen in Sheffield Shield ranks over the past 18 months.

But at 35 years of age, time isn't on his side.

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However, he's not throwing in the towel just yet, especially given Australia's recent trend of rewarding hot scoring streaks.

WA teammate Adam Voges was 35 years old when selected for his Test debut earlier this year, while opener Chris Rogers was also 35 when given a second chance in Test ranks in 2013.

"It's hard to know how close I actually was to Test selection," Klinger said.

"I just heard what was said in the media.

"When you think you're close and you miss out, it's certainly disappointing.

"But it must be a tough job for the selectors. There's a lot of good players around.

"I definitely still harbour hopes to represent Australia, whether it's in the baggy green, or maybe one-day or Twenty20 cricket over the summer.

"Hopefully one day it will go my way. It's made me hungrier to one day achieve it and keep performing well."

Klinger's immediate focus is squarely on helping WA bounce back from last week's 356-run loss to Victoria in Perth.

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The Alcohol. Think Again Warriors were bowled out for 186 and 102 in that match, with the team struggling in the absence of Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh, Voges, Jason Behrendorff and Nathan Coulter-Nile.

Klinger will again lead a youth-laden side when they host Tasmania at the WACA, starting Sunday.

Warriors coach Justin Langer has been pushing a simple theme this week to help his team turn around their form - relax in the face of pressure.

"I've said for 20 years, the harder you try, the worse it gets," Langer said.

"When you try so hard, your muscles get tight, your face gets tight.

"If you look at the great players - some of them look serious, but they've learnt how to relax, particularly when the pressure's on."

Last-placed Tasmania have been boosted by the return of James Faulkner, while Jordan Silk has also been named in the 12-man squad.

Dom Michael and Alex Doolan were omitted.