Huge scare for Australia ahead of World Cup as James Faulkner forced to leave field through injury

James Faulkner is consoled by teamates as he leaves the field

James Faulkner was forced to leave the field of play because of a problem with his rib during the Carlton Mid ODI tri-series final against England. He was just into his third over when he realised that he was suffering from an injury at the WACA, Perth.

LIVE 5/98 | @JamesFaulkner44 leaves the ground due to injury. Reaching for the left mid section. #AUSvENG #WWOS pic.twitter.com/5sv3FQM7A5

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) February 1, 2015

Cricket Australia, later confirmed that the 24-year-old had a “rib issue” and the situation will be assessed over the next few days. He did manage to pick up a wicket off the first delivery he bowled before going off the field.

Earlier in the day, Faulkner scored an unbeaten 50 off just 24 balls to propel the Australian total to 278/8. England didn’t put on much of a fight with the bat and were bowled out for just 166, conceding the match by 112 runs.

The Tasmanian is a vital cog in Australia’s ODI setup and would be desperate for play for his country at the World Cup. With just 13 days left for the start of the event, Faulkner looks to be in a race against time to get fit for the biggest tournament in the game of cricket.

Faulkner has scored 770 runs in 38 matches at an outstanding average of 48.12 and strike-rate of 111.11. He has also picked up exactly 50 wickets at 32.36 a piece.

Australia begin their World Cup campaign against England on 14 February at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.