Behrendorff grateful to play in World Cup after England heroics

Australia pacer Jason Behrendorff, who set up Monday's 64-run win over England with 5 for 44, was delighted to be given a chance to bowl the new ball.

Published : Jun 26, 2019 02:37 IST , London

Jason Behrendorff celebrates the wicket of Jason Holder against England.
Jason Behrendorff celebrates the wicket of Jason Holder against England.
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Jason Behrendorff celebrates the wicket of Jason Holder against England.

Jason Behrendorff’s maiden international five-wicket haul guided Australia into the semifinals of the World Cup 2019 at Lord’s and the fast bowler was happy to contribute in team’s success.

Despite being in the set-up for long, Behrendorff could never really cement his place in the Australia team due to injuries. Undergoing rehabs and training, the pacer was delightful to realise his dream of being playing for Australia in the World Cup.

“Some days, especially during all the rehab periods, you think, am I going to get back; am I going to be able to get out there and play for my country. It's one of those things you dream of as a kid to play cricket for Australia,” Behrendorff said.

“And then, to come here and play at Lord’s -- my first time here -- I trained here the other day and my first game here, so yeah, it was something special,” he said.

Asked what this five-for meant to him, Behrendorff said: “I’m not quite sure yet to be honest. But it’s something I'll treasure for sure. Again, like it's something that you don't play cricket for the accolades, but to play at Lord's and to take five today was really special.”

On Tuesday, Behrendorff was handed the new ball, and he was happy to made the opportunity count. “Yeah, it was huge. That’s where I guess one of my primary strengths lies, bowling up front, swinging with the new ball. That was really important, as well, so I was happy with that,” he said.

The pacer also admitted that bowling with Mitchell Starc also helps him learn a thing or two. “The really positive thing is both Mitch (Starc) and Pat (Cummins) have played quite a lot of one-day cricket, so to be able to chat to them how they go about it, especially through the middle overs.”

“Those things are really important to be able to work together and to be able to hold those plans and execute those plans out in the middle,” the pacer said.

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