Cricket World Cup 2015: James Faulkner strains side while bowling in tri-series final with England

JAMES Faulkner has sent a scare through the Australian camp after breaking down in Australia’s last competitive match before the World Cup.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: James Faulkner of Australia is consoled by teamates as he leaves the field injured during the final match of the Carlton Mid One Day International series between Australia and England at WACA on February 1, 2015 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

JAMES Faulkner has sent a scare through the Australian camp after breaking down in Australia’s last competitive match before the World Cup.

Faulkner broke down after the third ball of his third over and appeared to clutch his side.

Mark Taylor suggested that similar injuries have taken as long as six weeks to heal — a period that would almost certainly rule Faulkner out of the World Cup.

Brett Lee predicted Faulkner could be ruled out for at least a month during Channel Nine’s commentary.

“When you’re trying to bowl fast, as James Faulkner is, there is so much strain that goes through that region, the grunt muscle,” Lee said.

James Faulkner left the field with side (ribs) soreness. Medical staff will assess him and a further update will be provided in due course.

— Cricket Australia (@CAComms) February 1, 2015

“The hardest thing is to have the confidence to pull that front arm down again. I’m not a medical expert, but he would be out for at least four weeks-plus, I would think, depending on how bad it is. We hope and pray that it’s not that bad.”

Moises Henriques would be likely to be called into the World Cup squad should Faulkner be ruled out.

James Faulkner appeared to injury himself during his third over. Picture: Paul Kane.

Faulkner had played superbly in the Tri-Series final against England to that point. He smashed an unbeaten 50 from 24 balls, including four sixes and four boundaries, and trapped Joe Root lbw for 25.

The Australians opens their World Cup campaign against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on February 14.

James Faulkner smashed a half century of just 24 balls in Australia’s innings. Picture: Paul Kane.

Faulkner has averaged 100 with the bat at a strike rate of 125.00 during this ODI series against England and India. He has also taken six wickets at 30.33.

Despite being just 24, Faulkner has already established a reputation as one of the best finishers in international one-day cricket.

Originally published as Cricket World Cup 2015: James Faulkner strains side while bowling in tri-series final with England