Faulkner return puts heat on Watson, Marsh to stay in top XI

JAMES Faulkner is back which means two of Australia’s star all-rounders are now officially sweating bullets.

Either Shane Watson or Mitchell Marsh will feel the axe for tomorrow’s ICC World Cup clash against Afghanistan at the WACA Ground in Perth, the toughest selection decision the side has had all tournament.

Faulkner removed any doubt that he will return to action from his side strain in Perth but mystery surrounds how he will fit back into Australia’s first-choice XI.

The last time Faulkner was in Perth, he walked off clutching his side and fearing his World Cup dream was over in the one-day tri-series final win over England on February 1.

But after Australia’s 151 all out on Saturday at Eden Park, the timing could not be better for Faulkner’s return.

Unless selectors bring Faulkner into the place vacated by injured fast bowler Pat Cummins, it would seem Watson and Marsh face trouble.

Both Watson and Marsh trained yesterday, as did captain Michael Clarke – who pulled up well from the arduous 7.5-hour flight from Auckland.

The only concern to emerge from the session yesterday was Glenn Maxwell copping a nasty blow on his finger while bowling.

Faulkner said he would come back at his full allrounder capacity.

“If I get through (training), I’m pretty sure that I’m going to be picked as an all-rounder,” said Faulkner, before bowling five overs at full capacity and without incident in the nets.

Even if Faulkner cannot bowl 10 overs at this stage, the Afghanistan clash makes perfect sense for him to return, given the minnows are unlikely to bat out their 50 overs.

Faulkner said he was back batting at 100 per cent capacity days after suffering the injury against England at the WACA Ground – thanks to the fact he bats right-handed.

“I was lucky being a leftarm bowler and right-hand batsman. It wasn’t the same side when I was batting.”