It’s been a long wait but Jason Behrendorff is a strong chance to play his first game in over seven months when WA kick off their Matador Cup title defence against Adelaide on October 5.
The towering left arm fast bowler hasn’t played a first class match since February, when a stress fracture in his lower back forced him to take an extended break.
But after months of painstaking rehab and long days spent alone in the gym, Behrendorff says he is raring to go.
“The most important thing is making sure I start the season well,” he told the Canberra Times.
“I hope the combination I’ve been doing on my action and the increased strength I’m able to get through my work in the gym will get me a little bit quicker.”
That’s a scary thought for opposition batsman with Behrendorff one of the most feared young bowlers in the country.
Until the injury, the 25 year old was on the verge of national honours after a brilliant domestic season.
He finished as the second highest wicket taker in the Big Bash, claimed 40 wickets in the Sheffield Shield and 11 wickets in the Matador Cup, including five in the final.
Going through the rehab period was really quite tough at times because you go through highs and lows.
“But I’m confident with how I feel.”
A star in the Warriors fierce preseason fitness campaign, Behrendorff has been in full training for weeks including bowling off a full run.
He could be joined by star youngster and fellow Emageo athlete Will Bosisto in the Warriors line-up.
The former Australian U19 captain has impressed in WA’s preseason games as both a middle order batsman and more than handy off spinner.