A Career of Milestones and Memories
Left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff has announced his retirement from state cricket after a remarkable 16-year tenure with Western Australia. At 35, Behrendorff is stepping down from the state level but will continue to play in the T20 franchise circuit, where he has found considerable success. His decision comes after a stellar career that saw him become an integral part of the Western Australia attack and earn a place in Australia’s national team. Despite retiring from state cricket, Behrendorff remains available for national selection, having played 17 T20Is and 12 ODIs for his country.
A Journey from Canberra to Perth
Growing up in Canberra, Behrendorff joined Western Australia as a promising 19-year-old and quickly established himself as a key player. His impact was felt across various formats, particularly in the One-Day Cup, where he claimed 75 wickets to sit fifth on WA’s all-time list. He also won five One-Day Cup titles, solidifying his status as a crucial member of the team. In first-class cricket, Behrendorff took 126 wickets at an impressive average of 23.85 from 31 matches. However, his red-ball career was cut short due to a series of back injuries, which ultimately led to his decision to focus on T20 cricket.
A Legacy of Unforgettable Moments
One of Behrendorff’s most memorable performances came in the 2017–18 season when he claimed 9 for 37 in Victoria’s first innings at the WACA. This stellar performance, which ranks as the second-best figures by a WA bowler, highlighted his ability to produce under pressure. His match haul of 14 for 89 is only bettered by Terry Alderman’s 14 for 87. These feats cemented his reputation as a formidable left-arm quick and a potential Test replacement for Mitchell Johnson. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Behrendorff’s awkward bounce and prodigious swing with the new ball made him a valuable asset in any team.
International Success and Hardship
In the shorter forms of the game, Behrendorff was consistently on the fringes of the Australian national team. His international career highlight came during the 2019 World Cup when he claimed a five-wicket haul at Lord’s, contributing to a 64-run victory over the eventual champions, England. This performance showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stage and underlined his importance to the Australian setup. Despite his success, Behrendorff’s international career was marked by ups and downs, including a series of injuries that affected his availability.
Continued Success in the T20 Circuit
Even as he steps away from state cricket, Behrendorff’s skills remain in demand in the T20 franchise circuit. He recently signed a three-year deal with Melbourne Renegades, following his departure from the Perth Scorchers at the end of last season. During his 13-year, 106-game career with the Scorchers, Behrendorff won four BBL titles and finished as the BBL’s leading wicket-taker. His prowess in T20 cricket is well-documented, and he has played for several franchises, including Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL, where he enjoyed a standout campaign in 2023 with 14 wickets. Despite a freak leg injury that derailed his return to MI last year, Behrendorff remains a sought-after player in the T20 circuit.
Prioritizing Family and New Beginnings
In explaining his decision to retire from state cricket, Behrendorff emphasized the importance of spending more time with his family. "It played a huge part in my decision to retire," he said. "I know that I’m away with international commitments, franchise leagues, and the like, but I want to be home and present for my kids. In particular, things like school pick-up and drop-off. To be able to do those things I don’t always get to do, to spend more quality time with my wife, Juvelle … to be able to immerse myself more in family life." As he embarks on this new chapter, Behrendorff looks forward to balancing his love for cricket with his commitment to his family, ensuring that he can enjoy the quality time he has always cherished.
