Star all-rounder reunited with former Australian batting coach and ready to unleash in Big Bash

Dedicated time working on batting with Hurricanes assistant coach has James Faulkner confident he can assume the mantle as one of the BBL’s dominant all-rounders this summer

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THE opportunity to spend a block of one-on-one time with one of the country’s best batting minds has James Faulkner primed to unleash his best with the willow in BBL|10.

Faulkner — once compared to Australia’s best ever white ball “finisher” Michael Bevan for his ability to get his teams across the line in run chases — has been working feverously with recently appointed Hurricanes assistant coach Michael Di Venuto in preparation for this year’s Big Bash.

With a host of Hobart players in Adelaide for the first half of the Sheffield Shield season, Faulkner has cashed in to pick the brain of Di Venuto, a former national batting coach credited with helping the rise of Steve Smith into an international phenomenon.

James Faulkner has been working with Hurricanes assistant coach Michael Di Venuto to recapture his blistering best with the willow. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

The 30-year-old has remained a force with the ball in his two years with the Hurricanes, taking 28 wickets in his 20 matches, but has scored just 46 runs in the same period — albeit from limited opportunities.

However if last weekend was any indication, Faulkner’s sessions with Di Venuto look set to return the veteran back into dominant figure with both bat and ball.

“I’ve been batting in the last couple of months with Diva, which has been brilliant to have him back around Tasmanian cricket,” said Faulkner, who cracked 142 from 133 balls for University against Glenorchy on Saturday.

“I have definitely played some of my best cricket with him around as batting coach and an assistant coach.

“It has been good to spend a lot of one-on-one time with him while the group has been away, which has been bizarre as well, spending that much time with a coach.

Michael Di Venuto has joined the Hobart Hurricanes as an assistant coach. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“But I’m trying to use as much time with my training as I can specifically with him.”

Faulkner, who missed half of last year’s BBL with a calf strain, said he has fully recovered from some calf and hamstring soft tissue complaints this pre-season which kept him off the park until round four of the CTPL.

He is confident his battered body can withstand the rigours of this year’s tournament, especially if there is limited long distance travel.

“I probably thought I was 21 trying to join in the competitive stuff and it was a bit of a reality check,” Faulkner said of his minor setbacks.

James Faulkner of the Hurricanes bowls during the Big Bash League (BBL) match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Brisbane Heat at Blundstone Arena in Hobart, Friday, January 3, 2020. (AAP Image/Rob Blakers)

“Nothing big, I am pretty much at full tilt now, [last] week I have bowled off my full run with a couple of sets of six overs and it has come out pretty nicely.

“Now it’s just a matter of getting more confidence in the body.

“I want to be in a position where I can play every single game, I don’t know whether I will play every game, there was talk I would miss a couple the same as last year to make sure I am not on aeroplanes, but this season looks different in blocks.”

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