AFP, Perth :
Australia all-rounder James Faulkner said Monday he was fit and ready to make his 2015 World Cup debut against Afghanistan at Perth’s WACA ground on Wednesday.
A side strain has reduced the hard-hitting 24-year-old, also a lively seamer, to the role of a spectator at the tournament so far.
But Faulkner, who injured himself in Australia’s 112-run tri-series final win over England in Perth last month — a match where he smashed a 24-ball 50 not out featuring four fours and as many sixes — bowled several overs in the WACA nets on Monday and, provided there are no ill-effects, he should be available to face Afghanistan.
“If I get through today I am available for selection,” Faulkner told the Cricket Australia website prior to Monday’s training session.
“I bowled a couple of overs (last week and was) pretty close, the difference is the intensity of an ODI (one-day international).
