Emerging pace star Jason Behrendorff hopes his rollercoaster back injury is now behind him as he attempts to work his way back into the Test mix.
Behrendorff rocketed into Test calculations last summer on the back of some standout performances in Shield and one-day ranks, but a stress fracture in his back ruined his plans.
Further back soreness at the start of the current Shield season forced Behrendorff to the sidelines once again, raising fears he might require another lengthy stint on the sidelines.
But the 25-year-old Perth Scorchers paceman is back up and firing again, with his sights set on making his return in Saturday's BBL clash with the Brisbane Heat at the WACA Ground.
"I feel really good at the moment," Behrendorff said after training on Wednesday.
"It was a frustrating injury. At times it was like a bit of a jab in the back, and other times it was a dull ache.
"It's just one of those things where some days were worse than others, and I've been riding a bit of a rollercoaster at times.
"But today was great, and I'm looking forward to it hopefully continuing on that path."
Behrendorff starred in last summer's BBL, snaring 15 wickets at an average of 16.73 to lead the Scorchers to their second straight title.
Now, the left-arm quick wants to get even better, with his long-term goal still firmly set on breaking through for a Test debut.
Behrendorff's return comes at a crucial time for the Scorchers, who will have to do without Test trio Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh, and Adam Voges for most of the tournament.
All-rounder Nathan Coulter-Nile is another player who'll be missing for the Scorchers after suffering a shoulder injury that could rule him out for up to six months.
Coulter-Nile dislocated his right shoulder after slipping in the field on Monday, with medical staff still deciding whether the star all-rounder requires surgery.
"From what I hear he's in pretty good spirits," Behrendorff said of Coulter-Nile.
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