Former Melbourne Stars all-rounder James Faulkner signs three-year deal with Hobart Hurricanes

NEW Hurricane James Faulkner is confident he can return to the form that made him one of the most feared white-ball cricketers in the world.

UPDATED: NEW Hurricane James Faulkner is confident he can return to the form that made him one of the most feared white-ball cricketers in the world.

As revealed by the Mercury yesterday, Faulkner was unveiled in purple for the first time as part of a three-year contract with Hobart after seven seasons with the Melbourne Stars.

But the debilitating knee injury that has plagued him for the past 18 months means the former Australian Test, one-day and Twenty20 all-rounder is no guarantee to return to first-class cricket any time soon.

MORE: HURRICANES SIGN HOME-TOWN HERO

Faulkner said the promise of continuity of living in Hobart and coaching staff was behind his decision to play BBL with the Hurricanes.

“There were four or five years there where I was hardly in Hobart, let alone at my parents’ place for Christmas or birthdays or anything like that. It does take its toll,” Faulkner, 28, said.

“At the end of this [BBL] season, I looked at not only how I performed but where I was going and the direction I wanted to go as a player and I felt like I wasn’t performing as I would have liked.

“Whether that was due to injury or not, that’s no excuse but I thought maybe a change would refresh me as a player mentally and physically. I can be here for 12 months.”

Hurricanes recruit James Faulkner on the Hobart waterfront. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

He described the past 18 months as a rollercoaster between injury and being in and out of the Australian one-day side, but believed he was better placed than he has been in the past four or five years for a big summer ahead.

“I’ve had five or six months where I haven’t played much cricket at all,” he said. “Not only has it given my body some time to rest and recover, it has put some strength back into my legs but also mentally as well, which is hugely important for any sport, let alone cricket.” However, doubt remains in his ability to get through four-day cricket.

“You never say never, but I’m obviously going to Lancashire [domestic T20] again for two months and then I come back and get ready for the Big Bash,” Faulkner said. “I would definitely love to chuck on the baggy green again for Tasmania but time will soon tell.”

Cricket Tasmania chief executive Nick Cummins said Faulkner was more than an ideal swap for departing all-rounder Dan Christian, especially with his canny change of pace bowling at the death and in the power plays.

He also confirmed English import Tymal Mills — who was dropped from the Hurricanes for the semi-final and final — would return for BBL08 this summer. The Hurricanes have one vacant spot on their list they are looking to fill during the JLT Cup series.

EARLIER: THE time is right to return home according to James Faulkner, who will spend the whole summer of cricket based in Tasmania after signing with the Hobart Hurricanes.

As revealed by the Mercury yesterday, the former Australian all-rounder has signed a three-year deal with Hobart.

Faulkner has played all his 47 Big Bash League games for the Melbourne Stars since joining them in BBL|01 but will now return to his home state for the upcoming BBL|08.

“I had always hoped to return to playing all my cricket in Tasmania when the time was right,” Faulkner said.

“I really love the feeling around the team now and I’m impressed by the culture they’ve managed to build.”

Faulkner, 28, will come into the Hurricanes as a direct replacement for Dan Christian, who has signed with the Melbourne Renegades.

Melbourne Stars player James Faulkner, right, hits the ball as Brisbane keeper Jimmy Peirson looks on during the Big Bash League match between the Brisbane Heat and the Melbourne Stars at The Gabba in December last year. Picture: GETTY

The all-rounder will bring a wealth of experience to the Hurricanes, having played 159 domestic T20 games and 24 T20 international games.

Launceston-born Faulkner is looking forward to playing in front of his home crowd.

“Being from Launceston, the chance of playing two Big Bash games up there is also very appealing to me,” Faulkner said.

“I think the state is going from strength to strength, and that was a big part of my decision to come home, play alongside my mates and enjoy all my home domestic cricket formats here,” Faulkner said.

“I want to thank the Melbourne Stars for everything they’ve done for me over the last seven years.

“They were very supportive of me when I was playing with Australia and I’ve loved every minute with them.”

“I have many friends at the Stars both on and off the field and it was a difficult decision to part ways.

“But I look at it more along the lines that I am joining the Hurricanes, than I am leaving the Stars.”

Cricket Tasmania chief executive Nick Cummins said Faulkner would add significant value to the Hurricanes.

“We are pleased to finally have the opportunity to work with him for a full 12 months of the year and help him get back into the Australian squad,” Cummins said.