Jason Paul Behrendorff, a talented left-arm bowler hailing from Australia, has become a prominent figure in limited-overs cricket with his exceptional pace and ability to swing the ball. Born in Sydney and raised in Canberra, Behrendorff embarked on his cricketing journey with Western Australia after moving there during the 2009 off-season.
Behrendorff made his first-class debut in the 2011-2012 season, but it was in the following season of 2013-2014 that he truly made a breakthrough. Finishing as the second highest wicket-taker in the Sheffield Shield, behind only Steve O’Keefe, Behrendorff claimed 40 scalps at an impressive average of 22.70. This remarkable performance earned him a place in Australia A’s squad for their four-day matches against South Africa in the winter of 2014.
Continuing his exceptional form, Behrendorff had a stellar 2014-2015 season where he played a pivotal role in Western Australia’s victory in the domestic one-day tournament. Moreover, he contributed significantly to the success of the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, helping them secure the BBL title. His outstanding performances throughout the season garnered him the prestigious title of Australian domestic cricketer of the year in January 2015.
Unfortunately, injuries plagued Behrendorff in the 2016-2017 season. However, he demonstrated immense resilience and perseverance when he recorded remarkable figures of 14 for 89 in a Sheffield Shield match against Victoria. These figures are the ninth-best in the history of the Shield and the second-best since World War Two. Despite ongoing back issues, Behrendorff continued to show his prowess in limited-overs cricket, focusing primarily on that format.
Behrendorff’s T20 international debut took place in India in October 2017, and he immediately made an impact by securing an impressive haul of 4 for 21 in his second game in Guwahati. In this match, he dismissed the top four Indian batsmen, including the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, and Manish Pandey. His ODI debut followed in January 2019, where he once again removed Dhawan in his very first over. His consistent performances in the ODI format, primarily in a specialist new ball role, led to his selection in the Australian squad for the 2019 World Cup.
Beyond the cricket field, Behrendorff has dedicated his time to studying sports science. This pursuit showcases his commitment to the sport and his desire to understand and contribute to its development both on and off the field.
With an impressive track record and immense potential, Jason Behrendorff continues to be an integral part of Australian cricket. As he overcomes his physical challenges, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his future contributions and the impact he will have on the game.
