Australian all-rounder James Faulkner is not expected to recover from an abdominal strain in time for the start of ICC World Cup later this month.
Faulkner sustained a moderate side strain during Sunday’s Tri-Series final against England in Perth where he scored 50 runs from 24 deliveries before taking a wicket with his first ball.
Plans of taking a fully fit Australian side into the World Cup, kicking off against England in Melbourne on January 14, now appear out the window, however it sounds as if Faulkner will be given a chance to work his way back into the side as the tournament progresses.
“Scans on James Faulkner’s injured side have confirmed a moderate grade abdominal muscle strain which is consistent with a ‘typical’ fast-bowing side strain injury,” Cricket Australia Physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.
“He will receive intensive treatment for the next two weeks before we can determine when he can return to batting and bowling.
“He will travel with Australia’s ICC Cricket World Cup squad to Adelaide on Friday to continue his treatment with team medical staff.”
The 24-year-old Tasmanian could be given the same February 21 deadline as captain Michael Clarke to prove his fitness ahead of Australia’s second clash against Bangladesh in Brisbane.
The world No.21 ODI batsman played in all five of Australia’s Tri-Series matches, scoring undefeated totals of six and nine in the opening two fixtures before knocking a 35 in Australia’s three-wicket win over England in Hobart. He contributed a total of six wickets during the campaign.
Moises Henriques or Cameron White is expected to fill Faulkner’s role in the short term.
Photo: Daniel Kalisz (CA)/Getty Images.
