Michael Klinger to miss the BBL to support wife diagnosed with cancer

37-year-old Perth Scorchers’ cricketer Michael Klinger has decided to opt out of the 7th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) after he got to know that his wife is suffering from breast cancer during a routine checkup. The family came to know about the news when the couple went for a diagnosis of a back pain that Cindy Klinger was suffering with for some time. The couple has three children.

Terming cricket as his second priority for the moment, Klinger confirmed the news on Perth Scorchers’ website.  He had a superb run in the previous BBL where he scored 334 runs including a title-winning performance of 71 runs in the finals against Sydney Sixers. He was picked in the Australian team for the T20Is against Sri Lanka on the back of his brilliant performance in the BBL’s 6th edition.

Opening trouble for the reigning champion

With Marsh brothers along with Cameron Bancroft already out as they are playing the Ashes which Australia has already regained, Scorchers coach Justin Langer must be in a limbo in order to select the playing XI for the first game where they take on Sydney Sixers on Saturday.

England player David Willey and Klinger were the possible openers for their first game of the tournament, but the latter’s absence means that the coach and the management is now in a tricky situation. Sam Whiteman who had a decent season last time at the top too is recovering from a finger injury.

Although Scorchers do have a few players like Hilton Cartwright, Josh Inglis who can fit in the role at the top, it will be interesting to see who replaces the dashing batsman.

Kilnger though did mention that he may join the side later because his wife Cindy wants him to play the game which might give the Scorchers a boost in their title defence.