Stronger and fitter, Faulkner ready for tough cricket

Omitted from Australia's Champions Trophy squad, which came close on the heels of losing a central contract, James Faulkner endured some tough times in 2017. However, a recall to the ODI squad for the five-match series against India has come as a confidence booster for the 27-year-old allrounder, who revealed that he is feeling as fit as ever and eager to make an impact. Brushing aside the difficult period when he was sidelined from the team, Faulkner expressed his excitement at being part of the Australian ODI setup again, having last played an ODI for his country in February 2017.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of Australia's warm-up game against the Indian Board President's XI in Chennai, Faulkner said: "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."

The time on the sidelines has helped Faulkner work on his fitness and try different training methods. "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 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.

"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.

A useful batsman in the middle order, and known for his variations along with handy death bowling skills, Faulkner had a good run the last time Australia toured India for an ODI series. He scored 230 runs at an average of 115 and was the joint highest wicket-taker for his side, picking up seven wickets in five innings during the seven-match series in 2013.

"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, eager to replicate his 2013 efforts.

Australia's preparations for the five-match ODI series gets underway with a 50-over warm-up game in Chennai on Tuesday (September 12). Already feeling the heat and humidity, Faulkner stressed on the need to adapt to the conditions and reflect on Australia's previous experiences in the sub-continent, including stints in the Indian Premier League.

"We are obviously looking forward to play a warm-up game before the series starts. It is tough conditions here in Chennai, it is hot obviously. Came from training now and I'm still sweating too much. The boys are eager to get out there and play some good cricket, it is going to be a good series. Last time we were here we had some good tough cricket, so we are all excited. 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.