WA paceman Jason Behrendorff doesn't think his amazing 14-wicket haul was enough to capture the attention of Australia's selectors, but he hopes to force his way into the international picture by early next summer.
Behrendorff completed one of the most remarkable injury comebacks in Sheffield Shield history when he claimed match figures of 14-89 in WA's crushing innings victory over Victoria at the WACA Ground.
The 26-year-old snared 9-37 in the first innings alone - the fifth-best figures in the history of the competition.
The feat was all the more astonishing given it was Behrendorff's first Shield appearance since breaking his leg three months earlier.
Behrendorff was being talked up as a future Test star two years ago, before two serious back injuries and a broken leg halted his momentum.
The left-arm paceman is still highly regarded by Cricket Australia's hierarchy.
But with Australia locked in Test battle with India on the subcontinent, Behrendorff doesn't think his heroic haul would have made much of a ripple.
"They're over in India pretty busy with what they're doing," Behrendorff said.
"They had a historic win over there. I don't think it's something they're thinking about at the moment."
Behrendorff knows he still needs to prove his body can consistently stand up to the rigours of elite cricket before national selectors will consider picking him to play for Australia.
He hopes he can go some way towards doing that by featuring in WA's final two games of the Shield season, plus the final if they make it.
If he can do that and make a strong start to next season, Behrendorff could thrust his name into the mix for a dream Ashes call-up later this year.
Behrendorff said he was still coming to terms with his 14-wicket achievement, saying it had been a whirlwind and overwhelming 48 hours.
And he lavished praise on fellow paceman Cameron Green, who overcame a dislocated knee to score a brisk 45 with the bat and snare 3-20 in Victoria's second innings.
The 17-year-old is among a host of emerging pace stars in WA's cupboard, with Joel Paris, David Moody and Simon Mackin also making their mark.
WA's fourth Shield win on the trot has put them in good position to secure a berth in the final.
It's in stark contrast to three months ago, when the winless Warriors were sitting dead last on the table.
WA's finals hopes will be given a stern test when they lock horns with Victoria again in Alice Springs, starting on March 8.
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