India series a robust test for Australia, says James Faulkner

Australian pacer James Faulkner believes that the India tour will be a stout assessment for the Kangaroos. The 27-year-old is very much a part of the Australian squad for the ODIs against the hosts. Faulkner was overlooked by the national selectors for Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy campaign and will be making a return to the shorter version of the game after a notable amount of time. The Aussie side led by skipper Steve Smith landed in Chennai after a grueling tour of Bangladesh. they locked horns with the Tigers in a two-match Test series and earned a hard fought draw. The Aussies were stunned by the Bangladeshis in the first Test but the team showed great character and fighting spirit to level the series in the second. India will be the clear favorites moving into the series considering their rampant form at the moment. Virat Kohli and his brigade performed a colossal whitewash of 9-0 over the Sri Lankans in a full fledged series across all formats. However, Faulkner stated that the men in yellow are ready for the challenge with a rush of excitement in their blood. What Faulkner had to say: “Look, they (India) have played a lot of one-day cricket, off-late. They are in a very good knick at the moment. And like I said, it’s gonna be a test and we are very excited for it,” said Faulkner on Monday. “It’s going to be a good series. The last time we were here, we played some good, tuff cricket. We are really excited,” Faulkner said. Faulkner mentioned that the fans will get to see some real competitive cricket as the two behemoths brush shoulder to shoulder in the series. The Aussies will play a practice match against the Board President’s XI before the real deal kicks off on 17th September. “Looking forward to playing the warm-up game before the series starts. It’s tuff conditions here in Chennai, its hot out there,” stated the all-rounder. Faulkner who is making his comeback into the colourful Australian jersey after a long time admitted that the road has been tough for him. “It’s been tough. If you ask any player any time he gets left out, it’s no great fun. You have to rely on your friends and family and teammates as well,” he said. “And at the end of the day, it’s up to you to be on the spot. So, I am excited to be back in the group.it’s a good opportunity to play against a very good opposition in their own country,” he concluded.