Highly-rated 'finisher' James Faulkner faces a race to be fit for the one-day World Cup after Cricket Australia said Tuesday he has an abdominal muscle strain. The all-rounder underwent scans late Monday on his right side after he pulled up in pain during Sunday's tri-series victory over England. "Scans on James Faulkner's injured side have confirmed a moderate grade abdominal muscle strain which is consistent with a 'typical' fast-bowing side strain injury," physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said. "He will receive intensive treatment for the next two weeks before we can determine when he can return to batting and bowling."
Fast bowlers commonly need at least four weeks to recover from side strains. Australia open the World Cup Down Under on February 14 against England. Faulkner boosted Australia's total with a lusty unbeaten 50 - off just 24 balls and including four sixes - in the dying overs at the WACA on Sunday. However, he was forced from the field during his third over in the England innings, and walked off holding his side.