James Faulkner To Represent Hobart Hurricanes In Big Bash League
Credits: AFP

After serving Melbourne Stars for seven seasons in the Big Bash League, James Faulkner will ply his trade for Hobart Hurricanes in the forthcoming seasons. The Australia allrounder, on Tuesday, signed a three-year deal with the Tasmania-based outfit.

Faulkner represents Tasmania is Sheffield Shield. In 2012, he had also captained the Tasmania Under-17s and was also a part of the state’s U-19s and the Tasmania Second XI.  The allrounder is eyeing to revive his international career by doing well for the franchise of his native state after a forgettable summer where he did not play for Australia. Not very long, he was an indispensable part of Australia’s limited-overs teams. He played an integral role in Australia’s triumphant campaign at the 2015 World Cup and had bagged the Man of the Match award in the final.

Faulkner expressed his delight over the deal and also thanked the Melbourne Stars franchise.

“I had always hoped to return to playing all my cricket in Tasmania when the time was right,” Faulkner said. “I really love the feeling around the team now.  And I’m impressed by the culture they’ve managed to build. I think the state is going from strength to strength. That was a big part of my decision to come home, play alongside my mates. And enjoy all my home domestic cricket formats here.

“I want to thank the Melbourne Stars for everything they’ve done for me over the last seven years,” he added. “They were very supportive of me when I was playing with Australia and I’ve loved every minute with them.”

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Nick Cummins, Cricket Tasmania chief executive, also welcomed the signing. Cummins said Faulkner would add “significant value” to the Hurricanes, who finished runners-up in last season’s BBL.

“We are pleased to finally have the opportunity to work with him for a full 12 months of the year and help him get back into the Australian squad,” he said. “The fact he is a Tassie cricketer makes it all the better and he holds a fantastic record in the Big Bash, IPL and at the T20 International level.”

The 28-year old has represented Australia in 69 ODIs and 24 T20Is. He made a reputation with his accurate left-arm medium pace and hard-hitting batting. With the next World Cup just around a year ago, he will be desperate to rediscover his old form.

James Faulkner To Represent Hobart Hurricanes In Big Bash League
Credits: AFP

Faulkner played 47 games for the Stars. He scored 556 runs with a strike rate of 109.45 and average of 26.48 in addition to taking 45 wickets.

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