Faulkner to face former teammates for first time after opening match victory

Hobart is set for its first taste of BBL|08 action when the Hurricanes welcome the Melbourne Stars – the first time James Faulkner clashes with the side where he spent seven seasons.

Hurricanes’ James Faulkner with young fans Oliver Meers, 6 (left) and Jack Lemm, 7 Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

IT took just one match in purple for James Faulkner to highlight his value to the Hurricanes and today he gets the chance to send his former BBL side to a 0-2 start.

The former Australian all-rounder spent seven seasons with the Melbourne Stars before returning home to join Hobart, and will face the men in green for the first time at Blundstone Arena on Monday afternoon.

Faulkner was a vital cog in the Hurricanes’ 15-run defeat of Brisbane on Saturday night, picking up 3-25 — including the huge scalp of Chris Lynn — and closing out the contest in the final over.

Known for his ability to consistently deliver under pressure with both bat and ball, Faulkner gives Hobart a genuine one-two combination with Jofra Archer (2-23) with the ball at the death.

His second over in the powerplay at Metricon Stadium, when Max Bryant was going ballistic, cost just seven runs, and his third saw him remove Lynn thanks to a great diving catch from Alex Doolan at long-on.

James Faulkner of the Hurricanes reacts after the Hurricanes won the Big Bash League match between the Brisbane Heat and the Hobart Hurricanes at Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast. Picture: AAP IMAGE/DAVE HUNT

Faulkner then ensured there would be no Heat miracle by snaring the last two wickets in the final over, which started with the hosts needing 19 runs to win.

“It was nice to contribute to a win, that was the main thing and get the ball rolling to the start of the tournament,” Faulkner said.

“That’s going to be my role and there are going to be times when it comes off and it’s good, and other times you will get hit around the park and you look a bit silly.

“That’s the nature of the beast in that role.”

While Hobart started the tournament in strong fashion, the Stars went down to the Sydney Thunder in their opener.

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Faulkner declared the clash as just another match despite his long association with the competition’s glamour outfit, and has no extra motivation to again produce the goods.

“Their team has changed a fair bit this season so there are some new faces in their line-up, especially at the top and with the ball.

“I don’t think there is too many secrets, all the players have seen enough of each other all around the world to know what they go to in certain situations.

“It will just be another game, I’m just looking forward to trying to contribute again and have a good start going into Christmas.”