James Faulkner is in doubt for the World Cup after suffering a rib injury on Sunday.
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Australia all-rounder James Faulkner is in a race against time to be fit for the upcoming cricket World Cup after injuring himself during his side’s Tri-Series final win over England on Sunday.
Faulkner was forced off the field during his third over with the ball after suffering what appeared to be a rib injury.
With the World Cup now just 12 days away, the 24-year-old faces an uphill battle to be injury-free in time for Australia’s opening game against England at the MCG on February 14.
Faulkner was in excellent form with the bat during the match after hitting an unbeaten 50 off 24 balls.
Teammate Glenn Maxwell says Faulkner’s possible omission from the World Cup would “hurt” the Australian side.
“He’s pretty down at the moment with such an amazing thing coming up for us – a home World Cup,” Maxwell told Cricket Australia’s website.
“The thought of us being ruled out so late with an injury even if it’s nothing just the thought of that would hurt a lot of people.
“I know a few of us out there were hurting for him when he went off.
“He’s super cricketer and he’s a vital cog in this Australian outfit.
“We can hope that is nothing and he’s being soft and he gets back and trains hard with us next week.
“We’re all feeling for him. We hope he recovers pretty quickly and can get back out there with us.
“You saw it today how good he is. He’s the best finisher in the game comfortably.”
If Faulkner is to be ruled out of the World Cup, Shaun Marsh would be the front-runner to replace him in the side.
Shane Watson will make his return to the starting XI during the World Cup, meaning Australia are not short of all-rounders heading into one-day cricket’s showpiece event.
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