Faulkner relieved after pain-free game

2015 World Cup

Australia all-rounder James Faulkner was pleased with his efforts against Sri Lanka on Sunday, and was happy to get through nine overs after missing the first three matches due to a side injury.

He returned to the line up against Afghanistan, but the effort required on Sunday was more stringent, and he was happy to come out unscathed and bag three wickets, including those of Tillekaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara.

Faulkner said on Monday: "I'm fortunate the way they've looked after me, they've given me every chance to get back. Last night, I'd be lying to say it wasn't a relief to get through nine overs.

"I was confident I was going to get through my ten overs, but it was nice to ease back in with four overs against Afghanistan and then get a solid performance in yesterday."

The demands of travel have proven tough for most teams, and Australia are going to Hobart for their final group game against Scotland. After that, they must go to Adelaide for a quarter final, and a win there will see them back to Sydney.

Faulkner added: "We can't control the fixture. You can whinge and moan as much as you want to, but it is what it is, and we've got to play good cricket every time we get the opportunity to play. I think last night was a really big game for us.

"It was a must-win game for us to sit second on the table and have a real crack at this tournament. Hopefully it keeps us in good shape and hopefully we can play good cricket come crunch time."

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