Faulkner is back for Blast
JAMES Faulkner is returning to Lancashire after signing a two-year deal to play for them in the T20 Blast.
The Australian helped Lancashire to their first T20 title during his previous spell at Emirates Old Trafford in 2015.
Head coach Glen Chapple tried to sign him for this year’s competition. However, Cricket Australia refused Faulkner permission to play as he recovered from a reoccurring knee injury.
The 27-year-old returned to the Australian one-day squad for the recent series against India, and expects to be in England with the national side next summer for the Aussies’ ODI series against England, which could see him play at Emirates Old Trafford on June 24.
That series ends in time for him to link up with the Lancashire squad for the start of their T20 Blast campaign, which begins at home to Worcestershire Royals on Thursday, July 5.
Faulkner has committed to two years, with Australia back in England in 2019 for the World Cup and Ashes.
Chapple said: “He is a world-class cricketer and he played an important role in our success in 2015 when we won the competition. Signing James on a two-year contract gives us some continuity and stability in terms of our T20 overseas player which is what we were looking for.
“He’s a great individual to have in the dressing room and his experience at international level will really benefit the squad.”
Faulkner was the joint leading wicket taker in the 2015 Blast alongside team-mate Stephen Parry.
“I absolutely loved my time with the club in 2015 and Finals Day at Edgbaston still lives very long in the memory for me,” he said. “I can’t wait to reunite with the squad next summer. I’m determined to win the T20 Blast trophy back for the club.”