James Faulkner, the out of favor Australian all-rounder, is still hoping to play for his country again despite losing his central contract with Cricket Australia (CA).
The 28-year-old, who is particularly known for his aggressive batting in the middle order, played a key role in Australia’s triumph over New Zealand in the ICC 2015 World Cup final and was adjudged Man of the Match for his three-wicket haul. SInce then he has been out of the side and he is awaiting an opportunity for a comeback in the team for the next World Cup in England.
Faulkner hasn't represented Australia since October 2017 as the all-rounder was laid low by a knee injury throughout the three-year period, but now his knee feels as good as it ever has.
However, the left-arm medium-pacer has insisted on Sunday (September 16) that he hasn't given up hopes of repeating his World Cup heroics for Australia in the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.
The 28-year-old is ready to get his career back on track after a successful two-month spell with Lancashire.
At the moment, Faulkner is planning on using the 2018–19 JLT One-Day Cup with his home-state Tasmania to drive himself back into national contention before the next ICC event in England, as he believes that this tournament and his international experience will certainly push his name back into the Australian fold.
Faulkner told AAP, “I've never given up hope of playing for Australia again. I think I can still offer something and my experience of English conditions will hopefully carry some weight. I'd love to be back here helping us retain our World Cup. Winning man of the match three years ago was a career highlight and I'd love to repeat it.”
The pacer further added, “I know that counts for nothing unless I can have a strong season for Tasmania and that is my goal. I had a great seven years in Melbourne but it's been great be back at home, surrounded by close friends and family. You do begin to doubt yourself when things aren't going right on the pitch. Fortunately, I am not shy of talking about things with teammates and other players. My knee feels as good as it ever has and I also have a great support network around me who help keep me going and that is something I am very lucky to have.”
Faulkner is also hoping that his experience in English conditions will come as a positive point for him when Australia plans for the World Cup 2019.
He signed off by saying, “I love coming over here and playing with these boys. I've had success in the past and I have nothing but good memories of being a Lancashire player.”
