Faulkner’s a perfect overseas says Allott
LANCS CHIEF BACKS AUSSIES TO BE SUCCESS AGAIN AT OT
JAMES Faulkner is exactly what a team wants from an overseas player, says Lancashire’s Paul Allott.
As revealed earlier this month by M.E.N. Sport, the Australian all-rounder has signed a new one-year contract to play in the Vitality Blast for Lightning next season.
It will be Faulkner’s fourth stint with the club, having helped them win the competition for the first time in 2015, and then returning in 2018 and this summer.
And at a time when it is more and more difficult to find quality overseas players, Lancashire’s director of cricket believes it is a major positive to bring back an international player who knows the squad and the set-up.
“He has matured greatly over the years, he is passionate about Lancashire and is really keen to play for us,” said Allott.
“He is a multi-faceted player, you can bowl him anywhere - with the new ball or at the end of the innings.
“By his own admission, his batting hasn’t been as successful as he would have liked it to have been in recent years. But he can still be a fantastic finisher in T20 cricket.
“So you have two players for the price of one there.”
And Allott says Faulkner not only adds to the squad with his performances on the field, but also as an example to the other players.
“The way he interacts with the other players and encourages them is just what you are looking for,” added Allott.
“His attitude around the dressing room and in training is exemplary, so in all aspects he is just the sort of overseas player you want.
“He is well liked, and fits in as well as you possibly could do.”
Having secured Faulkner, Lancashire are still trying to bring back Glenn Maxwell for the Blast.
The Australian was a huge hit last season in both Championship and white ball formats.
He recently took a break from cricket due to mental health issues, but is back in action now.
And Allott says the Red Rose are keen to bring him back to Emirates Old Trafford.
He said: “We are hoping to get Glenn Maxwell back for next summer as well. The two of them as overseas players cover all bases.
“They both play in slightly different ways which complement each other and complement the team.”