Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
Perth Scorchers swing bowler Jason Behrendorff has recommitted his future to Perth, signing a new two-year deal that will keep him in orange until at least the end of 2024-25 KFC Big Bash League season.
The tall left-armer played a critical role during Perth’s triumphant BBL|12 campaign – his fourth MBBL title with the Club – taking the career-best tally of 21 wickets at 17.52 from 14 games.
Behrendorff is excited by the prospect of playing another two seasons alongside close friends in his adopted State of WA.
“I’m absolutely stoked to sign with Perth again,” he said.
“It’s a team that I’ve played a lot of cricket for and a team that I love. I love playing here in Perth, have a lot of mates around me in Perth, and we’ve been very successful. It’s a lot of fun.”
Behrendorff’s control and composure saw him finish as the Scorchers’ most miserly bowler in 2022-23, conceding just 6.69 runs per over despite regularly bowling with fielding restrictions in place.
A model of consistency, the 32-year-old sits second on Perth’s all-time wicket-taking list and seventh in MBBL history with 107 scalps at 20.13.
He became the second Scorcher to take 100 MBBL wickets in January, reaching the milestone by removing Brisbane Heat star Marnus Labuschagne at The Gabba.
Asked to play a variety of roles during the PowerPlay, the Power Surge and at the death, Behrendorff believes consistency was central to his success in BBL|12.
“Having a clear idea of what my strengths are and what the team requires of me is a fortunate position for me to be in,” he said.
“Having the ability to do what I need to do in terms of execution, working on the things I need to, but also the role clarity.”
Behrendorff’s new deal follows recent fresh contracts for fellow fast bowlers Andrew Tye (one year), Lance Morris (two) and Matt Kelly (three), and young allrounder Cooper Connolly (two).
“We compliment each other really nicely. We’ve got different skillsets but experienced skillsets as well, which is very exciting,” Behrendorff said of Perth’s bowling attack.
“To keep us moving forward, we’re always looking to get better at a new delivery (or skill). For me personally, I was able to bowl through the middle and at the end at the death overs this year.
“It’s been a very good group, and I can’t wait to play for a couple more years here.”
