Australia Test return main goal for Faulkner

Hobart, April 4:

Australia’s World Cup final hero James Faulkner on Saturday said he wasn’t surprised he missed selection in the Ashes squad but pointed out that his main goal is to get back into the Australian Test squad.

The all-rounder said his main focus next summer will be first class cricket as he aims to add to the one Test cap he earned way back in 2013.

“After a few days celebrating with the squad and a couple relaxing in Hobart with friends and family, now my attention turns to the IPL, and getting back into the Australian Test squad – that is my goal now,” Faulkner was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia (CA).

The 24-year-old played just three Sheffield Shield matches this summer as he focused predominantly on One-Day International (ODI) cricket leading into the World Cup. But he said he will shift his approach next season.

“I would like to play Test cricket, that’s the pinnacle, and the path is pretty simple,” he said.

“I will have the opportunity to play more Sheffield Shield games for Tasmania next season. I’ve just got to make sure I do well with bat and ball and hopefully the rest can take care of itself,” Faulkner said.

Faulkner’s one and only Test to date came in the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval in 2013, where he took six wickets for the match and contributed quick fire innings of 23 and 22.

He will head to India on Sunday to join fellow Australians Shane Watson, Steven Smith and Ben Cutting at Indian Premier League (IPL) team Rajasthan Royals. (IANS)