Klinger set for emotional return

Michael Klinger is set for an emotional welcome to #TheFurnace in the Perth Scorchers' Boxing Day BBL clash with the Melbourne Stars.

Klinger missed the Scorchers' season-opening win against the Sydney Sixers, remaining at home after revealing his wife Cindy had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

He has been named in Perth's 13-man squad for the showdown with the Stars, replacing leg-spinner James Muirhead.

The 37-year-old fan favourite's will undoubtedly be given a rousing reception from the Scorchers' fan base for his first match of BBL|07.

His involvement in this season will hinge on his wife's treatment schedule and his increased family commitments, but Klinger indicated his family wanted him to keep playing.

"Playing cricket, right at this moment, is secondary," Klinger wrote in an emotional open letter to fans that can be read in full here.

"It still may happen, because Cindy wants me to play and says it will be a good distraction for her and the kids to see me do so, either on TV or at #TheFurnace.

"But, by my choice, if playing clashes with any appointments or treatments, or if Cindy or the kids need me, I will be by their side."

Klinger's absence exacerbated Perth's issues with injuries and national commitments, which saw the Scorchers cap three players for the win against the Sixers: opening batters Will Bosisto and Josh Phillipe, as well as wicketkeeper Josh Inglis.

Perth bowler Andrew Tye said the team dedicated the opening win to Klinger's family.

"Every time we go out, we want to win but the fact Maxy is at home dealing with what he has to, it always gives you extra motivation," Tye said.

"You never know, it can strike at any time for anyone. You've always got to approach it in that sort of manner."

The Melbourne Stars welcome back a key batsman of their own, with axed Test player Peter Handscomb released to join the BBL.

Handscomb was dropped from the Australia Test side for the WACA Test, where Mitch Marsh scored his maiden Test century to cement his place in the squad for today's Boxing Day spectacle.

Perth Scorchers squad: Adam Voges (c), Ashton Agar, Will Bosisto, Hilton Cartwright, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Klinger, Joel Paris, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, David Willey.

Melbourne Stars squad: John Hastings (c), Michael Beer, Scott Boland, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Dan Worrall, Luke Wright, Adam Zampa.