JasonBehrendorff

Jason Behrendorff: From Injury Setback to Freelance Triumph

By Nilay September 16, 2024 0

Despite a devastating leg injury that shattered his IPL 2024 and World Cup aspirations, Australian pacer Jason Behrendorff remains unyielding in his pursuit of success. The 34-year-old’s journey in 2024 has been a rollercoaster of setbacks and triumphs.

In March, just days before his scheduled departure for the IPL, a freak accident at the WACA nets left Behrendorff with a broken fibula. The injury came at a cruel time, as he was in peak form and considered a contender for Australia’s T20 World Cup squad.

Undeterred, Behrendorff refused to let the setback define him. He opted out of his state contract with Western Australia and embarked on a freelance career in global T20 leagues. This bold move saw him go from representing Australia, WA, and Mumbai Indians to becoming an uncontracted freelancer overnight.

Despite the uncertainty, Behrendorff’s return to cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. He lifted the Lanka Premier League trophy with Jaffna Kings and helped the Toronto Nationals win the Global T20 Canada title, earning player-of-the-match honors in the final.

Behrendorff’s success as a freelancer has led him to believe that more players will follow in his footsteps, choosing to forgo state contracts in favor of the lucrative opportunities offered by T20 leagues.

While the pinnacle of cricket remains the Baggy Green, Behrendorff believes that success is not solely defined by Test cricket. He has made a significant impact in the game through his contributions in limited-overs formats.

Behrendorff’s T20 journey is far from over. As T20 leagues continue to expand, he is confident that he can continue to make a mark on the global stage. His determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to all who face adversity in their pursuit of success.

Categories: Cricket

Toronto Nationals Crowned Global T20 Canada Champions

By Nilay August 12, 2024 0

Toronto Nationals emerged victorious in the fourth season of the Global T20 Canada, dethroning defending champions Montreal Tigers by a dominant 8-wicket margin in a thrilling final.

Toronto skipper Colin Munro’s decision to field first proved fruitful as Montreal’s batting lineup collapsed, managing a meager 96/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Australian pacer Jason Behrendorff led the charge with an impressive 3/8 in his four overs, triggering a top-order collapse that put Toronto in control.

Despite challenging batting conditions and a rain delay, Toronto’s Andries Gous played a pivotal role in securing victory. Despite suffering a broken finger, Gous remained unbeaten on 58 runs off 49 balls, guiding his team to a comfortable win.

Montreal’s innings was characterized by a series of early setbacks. Opener Praveen Kumar was dismissed in the second over, followed by Gerhard Erasmus and Tim Seifert in consecutive deliveries. Chris Lynn and Sherfane Rutherford also departed cheaply, leaving the Tigers in disarray.

Corbin Bosch and Jaskaran Singh provided some resistance with a 46-run partnership, but it was not enough to prevent Toronto from taking control of the match.

Toronto’s chase got off to a shaky start with Munro dismissed for nought. However, Gous and Rassie van der Dussen (30 not out) forged an unbeaten 85-run partnership to seal the victory without further hiccups.

Romario Shepherd was named the bowler of the tournament for his 14 wickets, while George Munsey was recognized as the batter of the tournament for his 218 runs. Canadian youngster Dilpreet Bajwa was awarded the Emerging Player of the tournament, and Junaid Siddique was named the Player of the tournament.

Toronto Nationals’ triumph marks their maiden title in the Global T20 Canada, solidifying their status as one of North America’s premier T20 teams.

Categories: Cricket

WA Cricketers Opt for Freelance Opportunities, Leaving State Contracts

By Nilay April 20, 2024 0

The Australian cricket landscape is undergoing a significant shift as several prominent players have been left off state contract lists, opting for freelance opportunities in global franchise leagues. Among them are Ashton Agar, Marcus Stoinis, Jason Behrendorff, and Andrew Tye, who have all been omitted from Western Australia’s (WA) contract list for 2024-25.

Agar’s absence is particularly notable as the 30-year-old all-rounder has elected to pursue freelance opportunities globally, driven by limited playing time in WA’s Sheffield Shield team last season. He has made this decision in consultation with WA’s high-performance staff and Australia’s selectors.

By not taking a contract, Agar frees himself up to play in franchise leagues such as the SA20, ILT20, BPL, and PSL during Australia’s domestic season. Tye, who signed a one-year deal with WA last season, has also opted to go freelance again, while Behrendorff will do so for the first time in his career.

Despite not being contracted, Agar, Behrendorff, and Tye will remain involved in WA’s program when not playing overseas. They will be selected for Marsh Cup games when available, and Agar remains keen to play Shield cricket if an opportunity arises.

Stoinis, 34, is in a slightly different situation. He has not played for WA since March 2020 and is exploring the possibility of signing a year-round deal with his IPL franchise, Lucknow Super Giants. He has already played for the franchise’s teams in the SA20 and IPL this year.

Meanwhile, WA has added former New South Wales wicketkeeper Baxter Holt and Victoria quick Brody Couch to their squad. Holt is expected to get opportunities in Shield cricket, while Couch is looking for a fresh start after limited playing time in Victoria.

Categories: Cricket