CAPTAIN Adam Voges says the Perth Scorchers will be galvanised and motivated by plight of the Klinger family as they embark on another Big Bash League campaign.

Scorchers veteran Michael Klinger was an absentee at the airport this morning as the squad flew out for their Big Bash League season opener against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG on the back of the revelation yesterday that his wife Cindy, 35, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Voges, who like Klinger has a young family, said they were all thinking of their teammate.

“It’s been devastating news for everyone,” Voges said. “Maxy and Cindy are incredibly resilient and strong people. It will galvanise the boys, it will provide motivation and hopefully we can take that into Sydney.

“It’s rocked a number of the squad. The guys are professional, we are in contact with Maxy and we understand his situation and what’s been going on so the guys are fully aware of it. The only thing we can really do is go out and play good cricket, I think the guys understand that. It will give us a real focus and it will give us a perspective as well. The guys are looking forward to getting out there and playing.”

Will Bosisto, Josh Philippe and Josh Inglis were the fresh faces at the airport this morning, who could make their Scorchers debut on Saturday with a raft of senior players unavailable.

“It’s an exciting time to kick off our campaign with our first game,” Voges said.

“Every year we have our challenges with injuries with selections with things that are going on but every year we manage to unearth a couple of new talents, we manage to win some close games along the way and manage to scrap our way through the tournament. I don’t expect this to be any different. It’s going to be a big challenge. We know we’re going to have to play well if we want to make finals again this year.

“We have got a few young guys coming through. What it has brought is some opportunities for some guys. We have got some guys hitting the ball really so they’re going to get their opportunity, which is really exciting to see.

“Really excited about Josh (Philippe). He is one the guys who has really impressed us this year. If he gets an opportunity, I’m sure he’ll do really well.”

Exciting left-arm paceman Joel Paris was also on the plane this morning, but is yet to be declared a certainty to return.

“Joel is going really well,” Voges said. “It’s great to have Joel on the plane with us today. Whether he makes the final team, the great thing about our attack at the moment is there is competition for spots. We’ve got a few selection headaches, which is nice to have.”