Jason Krejza played 2 Tests for Australia and is the proud owner of Test Cap number 404.
As an off-spinner Krejza made his test debut against India in Nagpur in 2008 and picked up a memorable 12 wickets on his Test Debut.
Krejza played first-class cricket for New South Wales, Tasmania and Leicestershire in the U.K. All up he took 114 first-class wickets in 54 matches at an average of 49.59.
With the bat, he scored 1,587 runs at 25.19 and his highest score was 118 not out.
Krejza played 8 one day international games for Australia, 58 first-class one-day games and 29 first-class T20 games.
Jason Krezja has a passion for cricket which continues to this day. Let’s find out more.
How did you get into cricket?
I got into cricket because of my primary school teachers Mr Chinn and Mr Rice. One day they just handed out flyers to everyone to sign up for the Preston Hornets – so I did! And that’s where it all started.
What are your memories of your junior cricket days?
I have many memories of my junior cricket days as they were spent with my school friends and I had an absolute ball. Waking up early in the morning to walk to my home ground (Amalfi Park, which backed up onto my childhood home) was the highlight of my week and I remember how I used to prepare all my gear the night before so I felt like a professional.
When did you come to grade cricket?
I think I came into Grade cricket through Green Shield – that was my introduction into Fairfield-Liverpool CC. I’m sure my first game for Fairfield was at Tunks Park in 5th grade (where I now spend a lot of my time coaching North Sydney Cricket Club)
How did you progress through the grade ranks?
I progressed quickly but there was one moment where a captain backed me and picked me in the higher grades. David Thompson was the 2nd-grade skipper and he picked me almost from 4th grade and just believed in me. I think I repaid that faith by performing solidly in 2nd grade and that’s where it all started going well for me. Cheers Thommo.
Did you have any mentors or coaches who were assisted your cricket and if yes how did they help you?
David Freedman was coaching in the junior NSW Metro setup while I was there and he pushed for me to be an attacking spinner and gave me some great tips. I started bowling spin when I was around 13 or 14 so he taught me the things that may have taken me much longer to learn.
What were your cricketing ambitions?
My first ambition was to get a Baggy Blue – playing for NSW was top of the list. All my heroes played for them and I wanted to be in the same change room as them. Playing for Australia is every Aussie kid's dream but it was just a dream. NSW seemed attainable.
What do you remember about your first-class debut?
My first-class debut was one to forget! I was selected in a Sheffield Shield match against Queensland, a very strong side with Andrew Symonds, Andy Bichel, Jimmy Maher and Co. I was extremely nervous as these were guys I’d been watching on TV for years. In our two innings, I think I got 15 and a duck and bowled one over, just before a big storm was about to roll in. 1-19 off 1…Andrew Symonds destroyed me.
You moved from NSW to Tasmania for more opportunity, what are your recollections of your time in Tasmania?
I have fond memories of Tassie – it is my second home and could well end up being my home in years to come. There were a few people who believed in me right from the start. Then there’s my wife who I met shortly after moving down – she supported me the whole way and joined me on the rollercoaster ride. Having people believe in you and support you is important and this is something that I felt in Tassie. I felt the love.
Why did you leave Tasmania and return to NSW?
After not re-signing with Tasmania, my wife and I decided to move to Sydney so I could pursue a career in coaching. I wanted to help give back to the game that gave me so much and wanted to make an impact on grassroots cricket and I am still doing that to this day.
What were the challenges of playing first-class cricket and how did you deal with them?
Internal and external pressure and the need to get better every season you are at the top.
Most of the time pressure is created by the player and dealing with that can be quite a challenge – I guess everyone has their way of dealing with it! Getting better every season is something that is a huge challenge – some get to a point and stagnant. Some seem to get better and better year after year. But that is what we play for – we want to be the best at our craft. So as much as it is a challenge, that’s what we live for.
What was the circumstance leading up to your Test selection, can you remember where you were and how you heard the news?
I was in India playing for Australia A alongside a couple of other spinners that were probably ahead of me. There were a couple of injuries, I think that’s how I got my opportunity.
During one of the games, I was called into Jamie Cox’s room (Australian Selector) in the evening and he just said “You’re going home. And you will be coming straight back...because you have been selected in the Test squad to tour India. Well done.”
I shook his hand, walked out calmly as I could, entered my room and jumped onto my bed, buried my face in my pillow and screamed as loud as I could. It was the best feeling and just writing about it now brings back those feelings of pure excitement.
What do you remember about your Test debut?
Not a great deal other than taking lots of wickets! It is pretty much a blur. I was very nervous my first few overs and then it just all clicked and I did my thing!
What was your best performance with the ball?
In Test cricket, I took 8 for 215 off 43 overs in the first innings on debut and then picked up 4 wickets in the 2nd innings.
Jason Krejza first test wicket - Rahul Dravid caught Katich for 0
What was your best performance with the bat?
In my final innings for Tasmania, I scored my second first-class 100 – during the innings I shared a 293-run partnership with Ricky Ponting.
How did your first-class career end?
My body was starting to wear and was telling me that I didn’t have long left. It restricted how I played the game and it didn’t allow me to play at my best which was very frustrating. So, a combination of form and injury that ended my career.
What do you think looking back on your first-class career?
I feel very fortunate to have been able to play my favourite sport for a living for so many years. So far, my entire life I’ve been involved in cricket, and it’s just a game, so I think I should be happy with that!
What preparation went into your game?
Later in my career, I needed to bowl a lot of balls. I would bowl when I didn’t need to bowl but it’s something that I needed to do to keep getting better. With batting, I just needed to hit enough balls to feel like I was hitting the ball cleanly. It didn’t need to be fast bowling or good bowling I just needed to feel my timing was good.
Lastly, I would think about how I would bowl to each batter I was up against. Usually, there would be some footage we could watch but I remembered most players and how they played me.
Who were the teammates you particularly admired?
Ricky Ponting was a huge influence late in my career when playing for Tasmania and the Hurricanes. He treated everyone equal, gave up his time to help anyone in the squad and showed interest in what you were doing. It just really amazed me how someone of his stature didn’t get sucked in team cliques or just hanging out with the hierarchy. I became a different person, more selfless and I just wanted to help where I could. He made quite the impact on me.
Ricky Ponting celebrates with Jason Krejza in his Test Debut
What advice would you give to yourself as an 18-year-old?
Not to stress too much about the things you cannot control.
Are you involved in cricket now and in what capacity?
Yes, I run a cricket coaching business called Elite Cricket in Sydney. I also work for Cricket NSW from time to time in the grassroots youth age groups which I love. Elite Cricket does private coaching, school holiday camps, academy’s and tours – it’s a lot of fun! I say I enjoy it more than playing as there is less stress but I guess running your own business is stressful too. I think it’s because I get enjoyment from seeing kids and adults learn something new and get a kick out of it. Jump online and get in touch if you want help with your cricket! www.elitecricket.com.au
Jason Krejza - Elite Cricket
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