After playing a starring role in the World Cup final where he was adjudged the Man of the Match and being one of the most valuable limited-overs players for Australia, James Faulkner’s career took a strange and unexpected turn. He lost his central contract, and it was followed by a surprising omission from Australia’s Champions Trophy squad.
However, Faulkner has got the much-needed lifeline, as he has been included in the upcoming five-match One-Day International series against India. And while Faulkner expressed his excitement after being recalled for the series, he admitted that his time on the sidelines was tough.
“It was pretty tough (being on the sidelines). You ask any player anytime; you get left out, it is not great fun. So you have to rely on your friends and family, with your team-mates as well. At the end of the day it up to you to be back, I am excited to back in the group. I don’t really want to talk about the past. It is a good opportunity against a very good opposition in their own country,” Faulkner told the reporters.
Faulkner, nevertheless, made his unwanted spell on the sidelines a productive one by working on his fitness.
“Anytime you miss out on selection, it is tough. I have a good chance now. I had four months away from the game. I had a bit of pre-season which has been nice, a bit of time in my own bed, and to get strong and fit again. I have been battling – to be honest – probably the last 18 months, so it’s been nice to be home with my team-mates in Tassie [Tasamania] and hit the gym hard. Just physically with my knee and the state, it has been in. It is as good as it’s been at the moment, so I’m pretty happy,” he said.
“My training definitely changed. I spent a lot of time on the bike; I haven’t spent any time running other than fielding and while bowling in the nets. Have been doing different exercises in the gym, there are certain exercises I can’t do, but there is a lot I still can. It is about being disciplined with them and training and working hard. Also reflecting on aspects you need work on as a player because everyone has to get better,” he added.
Faulkner is now hoping to replicate his performance that he gave in 2013 when he was the standout performer for his team in the seven-match series. The hard-hitting all-rounder scored 230 runs at an average of 115 and was the joint highest wicket-taker for the visitors, taking seven wickets in five games.
“I suppose it is the variation and depth with both the bat and ball. I am looking forward to getting out there in the heat and bowling some variations. I hope to get through with a solid performance. I had four months away from the game. I had a bit of pre-season which has been nice, to get strong and fitter” said Faulkner.
Faulkner concluded by saying that the experience of playing in the IPL will be of big help for the tourists.
“There’s a lot of experience in that changing room playing in the subcontinent. Most of the boys have played enough here with the IPL and other series and the T20 World Cup. [India] have played a lot of one-day cricket of late. They are in really good nick right now. It is going to be a test and we’re excited for it,” Faulkner concluded.