Australia fast bowler Jason Behrendorff, who plays for Canberra-based Western Australia, has expressed his satisfaction after donning the national jersey, in the elite format against a formidable side India while adding he would like to make most out of the opportunities being thrown his way.
“It was an unbelievable experience. I want to play as much international cricket as I possibly can,” Behrendorff told Fairfax Media and was quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.
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The 27-year-old left-arm fast bowler revealed he is looking forward to playing across formats and eventually believes the Ashes 2017-18 call-up won’t be imminent even after James Pattinson’s was ruled out of the traditional five-match series after aggravating lower back stress fracture.
“For me, having that goal of playing international cricket again means that I’ll be ready and waiting in the wings,” Behrendorff added.
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With Australia fast bowling quartet dealt a blow, Behrendorff is confident of coming good whenever the national selectors would give him a chance for Cricket Australia.
“That’s something that I’m working towards – making sure I’m fully ready to go if that opportunity presents itself,” Behrendorff further added.
Moreover, Behrendorff reiterated the first choice would be to spearhead Mitchell Starc followed by Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins while adding they would fire on all cylinders.
“Those three, if they’re all fit and firing like we expect them to be, they’ll be the first picked and rightly so,” Behrendorff maintained.
Pertinently, plagued by injuries Behrendorff complete fitness would be an added boost as the player and in particular for the management.
“(The goal is) to be playing international cricket whenever I get that call, to be ready to go,” Behrendorff added.
Raring to go, Behrendorff in international fold claimed his best figures of four for 21 in his second Twenty20 international match against India at Guwahati after being able to send down a solitary over in the rain-marred Ranchi fixture.
In the space of two overs, Behrendorff claimed top-four batsmen including the prized scalp of Indian batting mainstay Virat Kohli.
“It’s such a buzz and such a thrill, it’s something I’ll continue to aspire to play as much as I possibly can,” Behrendorff remarked.
Behrendorff has set a goal to focus on his fitness in a bid to taste success in the international set-up in the near future, as he feels Australian summer has a lot on offer.
The ambitious Behrendorff hinted he is setting his sight on the limited-overs cricket, as he cherished his eagerly-awaited international debut in the subcontinent.
“I’ve always had that belief that I’m good enough, but then to perform and really cement that on the big stage (was great),” Behrendorff concluded.
The first of five Tests will be played from November 23 at Gabba in Brisbane, and it would be interesting to see who would be the fourth pace bowler when Cricket Australia reveals the squad.
If injuries haunted the hosts again, Behrendorff would be in contention in the fast bowling stock available with Australia.
However, Behrendorff has further a grand opportunity to prove his mettle and impress the selectors, as the JLT Sheffield Shield tournament will kick off on October 26 in Brisbane.
With Western Australia enjoying the success in the ongoing JLT One-day Cup, the side is further facing Cricket Australia XI to eye for the grand final at Bellerive Oval, as Behrendorff will rub shoulder with Marcus Stoinis and Nathan Coulter-Nile.
The final of the 50-over List-A competition is slated for October 21.