Faulkner: In T20 cricket you got to have variations
After producing Australia's best ever figures in T20I cricket, seamer James Faulkner said the key for bowlers in the shortest format is to have a few variations and execute under pressure.
A left-arm medium-pace bowler, Faulkner produced figures of five for 27 as Australia beat Pakistan by 21 runs in Mohali to keep alive their hopes of reaching the World T20 semifinals.
Faulkner told reporters at the post-match press conference: "It's pretty basic for all bowlers these days in T20 cricket.
"These days you got to have variation, change of pace, good yorkers and bouncer and if you can execute that you can make it hard for the batsman.
"We knew they were going to come hard against us, it's about holding our nerve."
Australia posted a total a formidable total of 193 for four after winning the toss and batting first, with captain Steve Smith top-scoring with an unbeaten 61 from just 43 balls.
Faulkner was full of praise of his skipper but not surprised, saying Smith is a class act and has done it before in India, in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 25-year-old Faulkner said: "I thought Steve batted exceptionally well today, but that's not surprised me, I have seen him play T20 cricket, obviously over here in particular with the IPL, he does it all the time, it was a class act today."
Australia and host nation India will now face off on Sunday, also in Mohali, to see who will make it to the semifinals of the World T20.
Latest
-
NewsZimbabwe-born Eddie Byrom reveals England ambition after starring at Lord’s
The left-handed batsman scored 117 out out of Somerset’s 301 against Essex in the Bob Willis Trophy final.
-
NewsEddie Byrom century leaves Somerset in healthy position in Bob Willis Trophy final
The 23-year-old scored 117 while Craig Overton contributed 66 as Somerset scored 301 against Essex at Lord’s.
-
NewsInjury-hit Delhi Capitals to turn to Amit Mishra
Ashwin injured his shoulder after falling awkwardly while trying to field off his own bowling in the Delhi Capitals opening IPL match.
-
NewsKKR skipper comes out to bat for Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins is the most expensive overseas professional in the history of the IPL but his debut for KKR left plenty to be desired.
-
NewsThe Hundred set for squad shake-up as deferral triggers new draft in 2021
Deals agreed for the inaugural season will not automatically roll over after the coronavirus pandemic forced a postponement.
-
NewsDean Jones: Australia’s one-day master who thrived under pressure
The World Cup winner has died at the age of 59.
-
NewsEddie Byrom closes in on Bob Willis Trophy final century as Somerset take charge
Byrom was 97 not out at lunch, with Craig Overton unbeaten on 51.
-
NewsFormer Australia batsman Dean Jones dies aged 59
Jones was in Mumbai as part of Star Sports’ coverage of the Indian Premier League.
-
NewsChennai Super Kings Captain Cool under fire for casual leadership
MS Dhoni is famous for being cool under pressure but now it seems his approach to the game is too casual for India legends.
-
NewsAustralia to start domestic season mid-October in Adelaide bubble
Australia are determined to get their domestic season off the ground by mid-October in an Adelaide bubble.