Scorcher a chance for shock BBL recall

Fast bowler Jason Behrendorff could be in line for a surprise return to the Perth Scorchers XI for Saturday’s KFC Big Bash League final, coach Justin Langer has hinted. 

Behrendorff hasn’t played a game for the Scorchers in BBL|06 after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left fibula in late November last year.

His last competitive hit out was for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, where he was limited to just 12 overs against Queensland before injury forced him from the field.

However, Langer confirmed on Thursday the 26-year-old had returned to bowling and was ready to step up against the Sydney Sixers on Saturday if required.

"Jason Behrendorff will be considered as well which is really exciting for us,” Langer said. 

"He’s been one of our best T20 bowlers and he’s one of the best in Australia.

"We’ll certainly consider him at our selection meeting."

Asked whether it would be a risk bringing Behrendorff in for the final with no cricket under his belt, Langer said: “It’s a huge risk, there’s no doubt about it.

"But he’s the consummate professional and if you saw him bowl in the nets a little while ago, he looks really strong.

"In most circumstances you wouldn’t risk it.

"He hasn’t played for a while but I’d back him any day of the week."

Making way for Behrendorff should he return would be 20-year-old quick Jhye Richardson, who Langer said had pulled up a little sore after Perth’s semi-final win over the Melbourne Stars.

"He was stiff after the last game,” Langer said. “If Jhye’s 100 per cent (fit) I reckon he’ll play, but if he’s not we’ll consider playing Behrendorff."

The Scorchers will also be without the in-form Shaun Marsh for the final.

Marsh flew to Auckland in an advance party with Aaron Finch and Billy Stanlake on Thursday, having been recalled to Australia’s ODI squad for the three-match Chappell-Hadlee series.

Langer indicated either Cameron Bancroft or Hilton Cartwright would replace the 33-year-old, who scored 57 and 56no in the Scorchers’ last two matches, adding he felt relaxed watching the thrilling Super Over finish to the second BBL semi-final between the Sixers and Heat.

"I was surprised the Sixers didn’t win it easily, but it was another great game of cricket.

"I was pretty relaxed either way. Normally you’ve got a good feeling either way (of who you’d rather play) but the way the guys are playing, I was pretty relaxed about who we play."