Published: Jun 17, 2016, 11:23 AM (IST)
Edited: Jun 17, 2016, 11:25 AM (IST)
Australian all-rounder James Faulkner was a few months back, one of Australia’s most important player in ODIs. The tall left-arm medium pacer and right-hand batsman contributed with the bat lower down the order as well as took wickets for his captain. Although, his role in the side has been reduced since he performed exceptionally for Australia in World Cup 2015, taking 3-36 in the final against New Zealand. In the ongoing tri-series in West Indies, Faulkner whose numbers haven’t been good in the past year, hasn’t had really had the chance to prove his critics wrong and improve his performance. Although, he hopes that a promotion up the batting order, might be a help for him. ALSO READ: James Faulkner aims to return in Test cricket
“I’ve only faced a couple of balls, haven’t I?” Faulkner said as quoted by foxsports.com.au. “I’d be lying if I said I don’t want to get back up the order at No.6 or No.7, but we’ll just see what happens. As long as we’re winning I’m pretty happy,” said Faulkner.
Faulkner’s role in the side has now been taken up by Mitchell Marsh and the former was even left out of Australia’s first two matches in the Caribbean as the selectors went in with spinners on a slow-turner. ALSO READ: When James Faulkner conquered England single-handedly at Gabba
Also, Faulkner had made his Test debut in 2013 against England and had performed well, taking 6 wickets in the Test and it looked like he might have a bright future for him in the format. But that remains the only Test, he has played since, and Faulkner is keen to change that.
“I’d definitely love to be playing all three formats, it’s just a matter of getting an opportunity again, more so in Test cricket,” he said. “Also I’d like to get back up the order and score some runs in one-day cricket.
However, Faulkner reiterated the fact that his first priority is to do well in the limited overs format for Australia and he wants to come back to form soon. He said – “I’m not too sure where I sit at the moment with that, but I’ve just got to control what I can control and that’s to try and get as many wickets and runs as I can for the team and contribute at certain times when I need to step up.”
