Faulkner: Expect big scores if ball doesn’t swing

Australia allrounder James Faulkner is expecting high-scoring games in the upcoming three-match ODI series in New Zealand, unless the ball swings like it did during the World Cup last year.
The boundaries on New Zealand fields are not the biggest but batsmen from around the world often fall into the trap of going for big shots and lose wickets early as the new ball usually does something.
The Aussies and Black Caps met in the World Cup at Eden Park in Auckland, where the first ODI will take place on Wednesday, and the visitors could only muster 151 all out even though the straight boundary is only 55 meters.
Although the Aussies eventually lost by one wicket, Faulkner, who did not play in that specific game because of injury, still feels big scores could come into the equation.
Faulkner said: "There's no reason why… teams can't get 350 or 400. A lot of it just comes down to conditions. If it's swinging around, which we think it would over there, the ball will be moving like it did throughout the World Cup.
"It's obviously a lot tougher and early wickets tend to fall. Every team at the moment is setting up to go hard in the first 10, consolidate through the middle and try and have wickets in the shed to try and launch.
"Especially with the smaller boundaries, I think if you find the ball isn't moving, there will be high scores. But if it is, it's obviously a lot tougher for the opening batsmen to adjust.
"More times than not at the moment 300 tends to be the base and every run over that is so valuable because every single batter in most teams can bat these days, so it makes it really tough for the bowlers."
Latest
-
News
Keith Barker blows away Somerset to help Hampshire to victory
The visitors needed just one run in their second innings to seal victory.
-
News
Craig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
News
Three positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
News
Zak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
News
Mark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
News
McCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
News
Effects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
News
Ben Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
News
Jofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
News
England bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.