The Perth Scorchers batsman made the shock announcement in an open letter on the Scorchers’ website, saying cricket is now secondary while he helps his wife win the battle of her life.

The 37-year-old said Cindy had a routine scan on her back last week after experiencing pain in the area.

Those scans and a subsequent biopsy revealed Cindy had breast cancer, and that it had spread to at least three spots on her spine.

“We have three children: Bailey, 7; Summer, 5; and Easton 1,” Klinger wrote.

“We had to tell Bailey and Summer of the fight their mother now faces, which is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

“In fact, along with delivering a eulogy at my mother’s funeral, it was the hardest and most terrible thing I’ve had to do in my life.”

Klinger says he may still play some games for the Scorchers this summer, but will prioritise his wife’s health and any appointments she may have.

“Playing cricket, right at this moment, is secondary,” Klinger wrote.

“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 (the WACA).

“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.”

The loss of Klinger for some, or possibly all, games is a big blow to the Scorchers, who have already been hit hard by injuries and international call-ups.

This makes all the hard work worth it!
No 1 support team. ❤️ #PerthScorchers #BBL06 pic.twitter.com/Oz6IbdOwD2

— michael klinger (@maxyklinger) January 29, 2017

Star pace duo Nathan Coulter-Nile (back) and Jason Behrendorff (back) will miss the start of the season, while Sam Whiteman (finger) is still at least three weeks away from resuming.

Star trio Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh and Cameron Bancroft are on Ashes duties.

The Scorchers’ title defence begins against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG on Saturday.

-AAP