Cricket World Cup: James Faulkner Ready To Make His Debut Against Afghanistan

Australian all-rounder James Faulkner has said that he is ready to play in his first match at the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Faulkner will be available for the first time in Australia’s match against Afghanistan at WACA ground in Perth on March 4.

Faulkner had to sit out the tournament due to side strain that he suffered during Australia’s tri-series win over England in January. On March 2, Faulkner took part in the training session and bowled several overs. He told Cricket Australia that he should be ready to face the Afghans since he didn’t have any ill effects from Monday’s session.

“If I get through the day, I am available for selection,” Faulkner said. “I bowled a couple of overs (last week and was) pretty close, the difference is the intensity of One Day International.”

Faulkner’s return to the squad could not have come at a better time after bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out to miss the match against Afghanistan. Cummins reportedly suffered a similar injury as Faulkner’s. Cummins endured a strain on his left side during Australia’s one-wicket loss against New Zealand in Auckland over the weekend.

The squad is looking at Josh Hazlewood to take Cummins’ place against the Afghans, but they are also looking at Mitchell Marsch and Shane Watson, in addition to Faulkner, to assume Cummins’ post. Faulkner has said that he doesn’t worry much about who will replace Cummins. He said that his main focus right now is to be fit and healthy for the match.

Australia has dropped to the fourth place in the latest standings following the washout match against Bangladesh and loss to New Zealand on Feb. 28. The only match that the squad has won was the opening match against England where they had a 111-run victory.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, trails behind Australia at the fifth spot. The Afghan cricket team is coming off a heroic first-ever Cricket World Cup win against Scotland on Feb. 26. Afghanistan Samuillah Shenwari has said that they are already looking forward to the team’s meeting with one of the tournament’s hosts and aims to give the Aussies a tough game.

Cricket World Cup Standings (Win/Loss/No Result)

Pool A

New Zealand (4/0)

Sri Lanka (3/1)

Bangladesh (1/1/1)

Australia (1/1/1)

Afghanistan (1/2)

England (1/3)

Scotland (0/3)

Pool B

India (3/0)

South Africa (2/1)