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Australian allrounder James Faulkner admits he was worried by the prospect of bowling 10 overs against Sri Lanka on just his second match back from injury.
The Tasmanian took 3-48 during Sunday’s 64-run win at the SCG, and insists he feels fine after missing Australia’s opening World Cup matches as he recovered from a side strain.
But he had reservations about his task on Sunday, despite having played against Afghanistan a few days before.
“I’d be lying to say it wasn’t a relief to get through nine overs,” Faulkner told reporters as he arrived at Hobart Airport on Monday.
“I was confident I was going to get through my 10 overs but it was nice to ease back in with four overs against Afghanistan and then get a solid performance in yesterday.”
Asked of his performance on Sunday, the 24-year-old said it “wasn’t ideal” to have run himself out without score during Australia’s innings, but his role in the bowling attack was more positive.
“It was good to get wickets, it’s good to contribute, and more importantly it’s good to win,” he said.
Of his own health, Faulkner said he’s pretty happy.
“I’m fine, I’m back playing, everything is all good.”
The Australian team has two days of free time before training starts in Hobart on Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s clash with Scotland at Bellerive Oval.
While Faulkner escapes to the coast for a couple of days break, he’s eyeing an imminent return to the impressive form which earned him the nickname, ‘the finisher’.
“Hopefully come crunch time I can put some performances on the board,” he said.
“(But) if we’re winning I’m not too fussed how I’m going personally.”
Faulkner wouldn’t speculate on what changes might be made to the Australian XI ahead of Saturday’s match.
“It purely depends on the wicket,” he said.
Whether fellow-Tasmanian Xavier Doherty will again be included, or if Mitch Marsh gets a recall, is not on Faulkner’s agenda.
“I’m not a selector, I’m not sure what balance they want to go with.
“Conditions will dictate what XI they want to pick.”
Scotland is yet to win a match in the group A pool and next faces Sri Lanka in Hobart on Wednesday.
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