Faulkner relieved after bowling against Lanka

Faulkner made a comeback to the side after an injury layoff

Sydney, March 9 (IANS) All-rounder James Faulkner, who was instrumental in Australia's 64-run win over Sri Lanka in the World Cup here on Sunday, said he was relieved to get through nine overs in the match, having spent a full month on the sidelines with his side-strain injury. Faulkner finished with figures of 3/48 with the precious wickets of opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (62), wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara (104) and Upul Tharanga (4) at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"Last night, I'd be lying to say it wasn't a relief to get through nine overs. I was confident I was going to get through my 10 overs but it was nice to ease back in with four overs against Afghanistan and then get a solid performance in yesterday," Faulkner was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo on Monday.

Speaking on their busy travel schedule where the team has criss-crossed the country and the Tasman Sea for games in Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, Perth and Sydney, Faulkner said, "We can't control the fixture. You can whinge and moan as much as you want to but it is what it is. We've got to play good cricket every time we get the opportunity to play."

The 24-year-old expects to win their last Pool A game against Scotland on March 14 at Hobart and is hopeful of playing quality cricket in the knockouts.

"It was a must-win game for us to sit second on the table and have a real crack at this tournament. Hopefully it keeps us in good shape and hopefully we can play good cricket, come crunch time," he added.