Behrendorff made his Australian debut on Sunday in the first of three T20 fixtures against India, with the visitors losing rain-delayed opener on the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Behrendorff bowled just one over in the match but his appearance marked a significant milestone for the Canberra export who has battled injuries in recent years.

James Pattinson was ruled out of the Ashes last week after re-aggravating a lower back stress fracture which has opened the door for Australia's second-tier fast bowlers.

Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are all on track to play the first Ashes Test in Brisbane on November 23.

Nathan Coulter-Nile was the leading wicket-taker in Australia's one-day international series against India, while Jackson Bird and Chadd Sayers are waiting in the wings alongside Behrendorff.

But Langer said Behrendorff holds a trump card over the others which could see th 27-year-old earn a baggy green this summer.

"Over the course of an Ashes it's usually a really tough campaign, so depth will be tested and Jason provides that left-arm option who can swing the ball," Langer said.

"He's definitely a contender and adds great depth to Australian cricket bowling stocks but the advantage he has is that left arm variety.

"We have a lot of right-arm bowlers so having that left variation is a huge benefit for him, particularly if something happens to Mitchell Starc."

Behrendorff has enjoyed a nine-month injury-free spell after a string of setbacks and Langer said his international debut was a long time in the making.

"It's great for Jason because he's worked so hard and is the consummate professional, he's a terrific player and outstanding person who deserves the reward he gets, " Langer said.

"Unfortunately he's had a lot of injuries over the last few years which has slowed down that process to get into the Australian team.

"It's pretty well known that under the age of 25 bowlers go through a lot of injuries, so he's coming into a good time of his career.

"We pray every day he remains healthy and if he does there is no reason why he won't get more opportunities to play international cricket."

Behrendorff has taken 123 wickets at 23 for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield and 46 scalps at 18 in his past two seasons, which included a record 9-37 against champions Victoria in February.

Langer backed the Tuggeranong Valley junior to make the most of a Test debut if given the chance.

"It's a tough business but champion players grab their opportunities and given the opportunity I'm sure he'll grab it," Langer said.

"He's a tremendous person and a hard worker with a lot of talent, so if the opportunity comes there's no doubt he'll grab it with both hands."

Behrendorff opened the bowling on debut but Australia failed defend 8-118 from 18.4 overs, which reduced to 48 runs in six overs, as India won with three balls to spare.

The latest defeat came after Australia were thrashed 4-1 in the one-day series, but opening batsman Aaron Finch found praise for Behrendorff.

"I thought the way Jason Behrendorff started the match on debut against some of the world's best players was fantastic," Finch said.

"He swung the ball so I think that was a real positive to come out of the game."

Behrendorff is expected to feature in the final two T20s and is then hoping for an uninterrupted run in first- class cricket, with all eyes on the first three Shield games leading up to the Ashes.