Faulkner using Lancs stint to push for Ashes
Australia all-rounder James Faulkner is not a regular in the Test side by any means, but is hoping his recent form in the shorter formats will translate into runs and wickets when he takes the field for Lancashire.
His stint with the county is ahead of the Ashes in the UK, and Faulkner hopes he'll be able to impress the selectors and get a look-in for the Tests against England in July and August.
Faulkner told the Manchester Evening News: "I haven't played red ball cricket for a fair while consistently because of how much one-day cricket I have been playing for Australia.
"I want to play red ball cricket, Test cricket is the pinnacle for me but I haven't had much opportunity over the last few years, I have probably only played three of four games and it is hard to get some consistency doing that.
"The Ashes is on everyone's mind, but for me it is pretty simple what I have to achieve if I am to play Test cricket and that is to score runs and take wickets.
"I haven't had the opportunity to do that and press my claim for a place in the Test side, people have leapfrogged me. This is now a chance for me to play red ball cricket.
"I have sort of forgotten about whether I am going to be picked for the Ashes.
"For me it is purely about getting runs and wickets for Lancashire, just like it is when I play for Tasmania. And playing county cricket is something I have always wanted to do."
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