Faulkner fit to face Afghanistan

PERTH, Australia: Australia all-rounder James Faulkner said Monday he was fit and ready to make his 2015 World Cup debut against Afghanistan at Perth’s WACA ground on Wednesday (tomorrow).
A side strain has reduced the hard-hitting 24-year-old, also a lively seamer, to the role of a spectator at the tournament so far.
But Faulkner, who injured himself in Australia’s 112-run tri-series final win over England in Perth last month — a match where he smashed a 24-ball 50 not out — bowled several overs in the WACA nets on Monday and, provided there are no ill-effects, he should be available to face Afghanistan.
“If I get through today I am available for selection,” Faulkner told the Cricket Australia website prior to Monday’s training session.
“I bowled a couple of overs (last week and was) pretty close, the difference is the intensity of an One-day International (ODI).
“I will have a solid hit out today and hopefully I recover well and be out here (at the WACA) on Wednesday afternoon.”