Western Australian fast bowler Jason Behrendorff has made a stunning return to first-class cricket by capturing the fifth-best figures in Sheffield Shield history.
Behrendorff ripped through Victoria's batting line-up to take a career-best 9-37 at the WACA Ground on Saturday.
Behrendorff's three month wait to return to domestic cricket was well worth it as he made opposition captain Cameron White's decision to bat first one to regret.
The Tuggeranong junior sent down just 13.2 overs, but it was enough to claim nine scalps and roll the competition leaders for just 117.
A David Moody wicket denied Behrendorff what would have been the fourth ten-wicket haul in Shield history.
A stress fracture in his left fibula left Behrendorff on crutches just days after being earmarked as a potential Test bolter in November.
But the remarkable haul suggests a three-month layoff didn't hamper Behrendorff's ability with the ball.
Leading into WA's must-win clash against the Vics, Behrendorff's career-best figures were 7-70 - but it is safe to say his new record will be tough to beat.
