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IPL 2021: CSK signs Jason Behrendorff as replacement for Josh Hazlewood

Chennai Super Kings has announced the signing of Australian left-arm pacer Jason Behrendorff as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood. The 30-year-old pacer has represented his country 18 times, featuring in eleven ODIs and seven T20Is. The Aussie has previously played for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2019, where he featured in 5 games and picked 5 wickets.

CSK had previously insisted that signing a replacement for Hazlewood was not a priority, but a sudden u-turn does suggest that the franchise doesn’t want to leave them short in the key area during IPL 2021.

The new CSK recruit who plays domestically for Perth Scorchers and Western Australia has some decent stats in the recent past. His latest match against Tasmania on Thursday witnessed him dominate over the losing side. He not only picked 3 wickets for 33 runs but also played a significant role in pushing the score further with a quick 35 in the end. His performance in yesterday’s game helped them book their spot in the final of the Marsh Cup, where Western Australia will face off New South Wales.

Behrendorff will be replacing his fellow compatriot Josh Hazlewood, who pulled out of the IPL 2021 due to bubble fatigue and Australia’s challenging schedule for the rest of 2021. With his withdrawal, he became the third Australian after Josh Phillipe and Mitchell Marsh to be unavailable for the upcoming edition of IPL.

Behrendorff will not be available for the first two games

CSK will be without Behrendorff for the first two games as he will complete domestic commitments and undergo quarantine. Meanwhile, Lungi Ngidi will miss the first game since he is currently in quarantine.

The arrival of Behrendorff will add more depth to CSK’s bowling department. He is unlikely to be first choice option, but the nature of the league and current circumstances due to pandemic, it makes sense to fill all slots in the squad. CSK will begin the season against Delhi Capitals in Mumbai on April 10.

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