Jason Krejza - Australia - Bowler

Krejza has an interesting family; his father is from Czechoslovakia, while his mother is Polish. Krejza made a dream test debut picking up 12 wickets in the game against a strong Indian side at Nagpur in 2008, including 8/215 in his maiden innings. That debut however ended with mixed feelings as his side lost the match and the series.

Like many others, Krejza moved out of the NSW Blues after the 2006 season as he couldn't force his way into a strong spin bowling attack that contained Stuart MacGill, Hauritz and others. He joined Tasmania and that proved to be the turning point in his career. His career took off with Tasmania and he soon began making a mark.

But an off field incident nearly placed his career at risk as he was caught drink-driving and speeding, and lost his licence for seven months. Tasmania imposed their own punishment on him - he was suspended from their pre-season training and banned from alcohol for the whole summer. But he didn't let that incident affect him and took 18 wickets in seven games and was rewarded with an Australia A call-up.

Soon he moved up in the pecking order after Warne, MacGill and Hogg retired and made his test debut against India. Despite such a wonderful debut, Krejza lost his place after one bad game against the Proteas at Perth when his inability to contain the South Africans who were chasing 414, proved to be his undoing. He was sacked and consigned to the domestic scene once again.

An attacking off break bowler, who is willing to give the ball a nice rip, Krejza maintains an outside off line with his stock ball being the off break. He gets nice drift in the air, which makes up for his lack of variety. Krejza doesn't possess a doosra and hasn't been keen on developing one either. He is a handy lower order batsman and has rescued Tasmania with crucial knocks often.

After a couple of months in the sidelines, Krejza made his comeback when he was picked for the final ODI against England in 2011. With Hauritz and Doherty injured, Krejza was picked in the 15 for the ICC World Cup in India and played in the quarterfinal against India which they lost. Unfortunately, that also happens to his last international appearance till date.

However, he is a regular in the domestic circuit and also has played the Big Bash League representing the Hobart Hurricanes.

Interesting fact about Krejza: Away from Cricket, he spends time by singing and playing the guitar. On tours, he forms a partnership with Shane Watson and Brett Lee; both avid guitarists.

By Srivathsa