Almost six years later, Behrendorff returns to Manuka Oval to take on England as one of Australia's most exciting prospects after showing his skills in the Big Bash.

Now 24, Behrendorff and Australian World Cup quick Pat Cummins will spearhead the PM's XI attack on Wednesday as it looks to inflict early damage on the tourists.

Behrendorff had been mentioned as a possible World Cup bolter, and could still come into calculations if there are injuries during the tournament.

The Canberra junior will be making his second appearance for the PM's XI after being the designated ACT player in the 2009 game against New Zealand.

In a side captained by his now WA and Perth Scorchers coach Justin Langer and featuring the likes of the late Phillip Hughes, George Bailey, Clint McKay and Moises Henriques, Behrendorff stood out with the exceptional figures of 0-21 from his eight overs.

He was the only bowler to go for less than 5.2 runs per over in NZ's total of 5-271, with the PM's XI winning by six wickets on the back of Bailey's century.

"It was a big shock to be honest, to play in the first instance," Behrendorff said.

"To play against New Zealand was a good challenge and a privilege for me.

"All I can remember was trying to soak up everything that came with the day, getting to meet guys like Justin Langer and all the other guys who were playing state cricket at the time.

"They were in a position I was trying to aspire to, to get a state contract somewhere. I was a bit in awe of the whole situation."

Behrendorff has excelled in all three forms of the game over the past 12 months, but it's the Big Bash and the free-to-air television exposure that has exposed him to the public.

The left-armer has continued to improve in his three seasons with the Scorchers. Figures provided by Cricket ACT statistician Adam Morehouse reveal Behrendorff claimed nine wickets at an average of 22.78 in 2012-13 and 11 wickets at 18.55 in 2013-14. He currently has 13 wickets at an outstanding click of 12.92 this summer.

Behrendorff is the leading wicket-taker in the BBL this season, has the lowest average, the lowest economy rate (six runs per over) and fifth-best strike rate (12.92 balls per wicket).

Throw in his terrific performances in the national one-day competition, where he claimed 17 wickets at 16.76 including 5-27 in the final, and the Sheffield Shield, and it appears to be only a matter of time before he earns higher honours.

But it's the annual PM's XI game that was his introduction to international cricket.

"I remember vividly going to the game when I was in primary school watching the West Indies play," Behrendorff said.

"That was one of the best experiences for me, sitting down on the boundary watching the big West Indian bowlers run in and tear away. Looking back on it, that was something I aspired to."