Shoulder surgery rules Behrendorff out of BBL|16

Jason Behrendorff will miss the entire KFC BBL|16 season after undergoing shoulder surgery, leaving Melbourne Renegades without one of their strike weapons for the upcoming tournament.

Behrendorff joined the Renegades last season on a three-year deal after more than a decade at the Perth Scorchers, forming the backbone of the latter's unprecedented championship run alongside the now-retired Andrew Tye.

The 36-year-old is the fourth most prolific bowler in men's Big Bash history (145 wickets) with a terrific economy rate of 7.15 – the lowest of any bowler in the competition's top 15 wicket-takers.

"It's disappointing to miss a BBL season, but I've got a clear plan with the medical team, and my focus is on getting my shoulder right so I can return to full fitness," Behrendorff said in a statement.

"I'm looking forward to supporting the team and staying involved throughout the season, being able to work closely with the bowlers and coaching staff.

"It also provides an opportunity to work with the Renegades' media team and broadcasters to share a different view of the game for our fans."

Behrendorff's first season at the Renegades only yielded five wickets across eight matches, with his 9.29 economy rate the highest it had been since his debut season in BBL|02 (8.91).

But with the 'Gades moving away from Marvel Stadium to the more seam-friendly MCG for the upcoming season, Behrendorff's bowling would have been able to use the latter surface and its expansive boundaries to his advantage.

With the leading quick out of the equation for BBL|16, it leaves the Renegades with a significant gap in their bowling armament.

Tom Rogers is primed to return from his own shoulder injury after missing all of last season, while Brendan Doggett and Will Sutherland are likely to take on more of the load in Behrendorff's absence.

Sam Elliott also remains a handy option with the ball and impressed in his four outings in BBL|15 with a four-wicket haul against the Scorchers.

Meanwhile, Gurinder Sandhu, who finished the regular BBL|15 season with an equal-high 19 wickets alongside Haris Rauf, is yet to re-sign with the Renegades.

The Renegades confirmed they will sign an injury replacement player for Behrendorff, and could even look to the likes of Victoria's rookie left-arm seamer Harry Hoekstra following an outstanding start to his state career.

The 20-year-old has made headlines in the past month following his dazzling 5-42 against NSW in the One-Day Cup, and more recently pouched 6-103 against South Australia on first-class debut in the opening match of the Sheffield Shield season, along with a further nine wickets against Tasmania in their second-round fixture.

Should the Renegades opt for more experience, Jackson Bird is yet to re-sign with Hobart Hurricanes, while internationals Hassan Ali, Luke Wood and Zaman Khan are among those without deals for BBL|16.