WorldT20, IPL stints will help us: Faulkner
AUSTRALIA IN INDIA Allrounder feels the ODI series will be a test of character but the experience will help them
CHENNAI Australia all-rounder James Faulkner said experience of playing in the IPL and last year’s ICC World Twenty20 in India will hold the visitors in good stead in the upcoming limited over series here.
India and Australia will play five ODIs and three T20 Internationals, starting with the first 50-over game here on September 17. And Faulkner said it would be a “test” of character for Australia to beat in-form India at home.
“Most of the boys have played here in the IPL and T20 World Cup. So those experiences will help us,” Faulker said after the team’ s training session at the MA Chidambaram stadium here.
“They( India) have played a lot of one-day cricket in the recent past. They are in really good nick right now. It is going to be a test.”
Faulkner will return to the side after missing out on the Champions Trophy earlier this year. And Faulkner said it was tough to be out of the side for a while but it gave him the chance to reflect and come back stronger.
The big-hitting all-rounder, who bowls left-arm mediumpace, said he was happy to be back in the team.
“Obviously if you miss out any timeonselection it is tough.I was four months away from the game. Ihadabitofpre-seasonwhichhas been nice, to get strong and fitter,” he said.
Faulkner said he had put in a lot of hard work in the time he was out of the national team.
“I have been battling to be honest, probably the last 18 months. It is good to be back with my teammates and hit the gym hard. I’m happy now,” he said.
“It was pretty tough. I think you ask any player when he gets left out it is not great fun. 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 tough opposition in their own country,” he said.
“I didn’t get too much feedback (from the selectors) to be honest. The pace had dropped down a little bit maybe. I went back and reflected and wanted to get back into the team. I put that aside and worked as hard I could,” he added.