Faulkner injured in the final of Carlton Mid Triangular Series

James scored 24 Faulkner the ball fifty in the final burial of England, taking the first ball wicket to provide a nice little ice, but he came out in the middle of the road in the third place him on with what looked like a side strain. The exact nature and extent of the injury is not yet known, but the Australian camp did not seem very optimistic about his chances in the World Cup. In the display after the game George Bailey joked that Faulkner can be exciting sometimes, but the man of the match between Glenn Maxwell was left hoping against all signs.

"I think he is very down at the moment," said Maxwell. "I think with obviously like this amazing thing just to get out for us, home of the World Cup, and I think the thought of being ruled any of us out too late because of an injury, and I think even if it's nothing, just think of that would hurt a lot of people. I know a few of us there was hurting him. "

If Faulkner fact ruled out, and will be a big blow to Australia because it was a tremendous striker with a bat and a useful bowler with a variety of slower balls in his left arm ammunition. Australia have another three allrounders in Maxwell himself, Mitchell Marsh and Shane Watson, but none of them close games with the calm that exudes Faulkner. Faulkner injury should be a source of greater than one to Michael Clarke is concerned. Maxwell spoke of the importance of Faulkner for the team.

"He's super cricket player and he played an important role in this vital Australian outfit," said Maxwell. "We can only hope nothing and that being soft and it goes back and train hard with us next week. We are all feeling for him, and I hope to recover very quickly, and it can go back out there with us because you saw today how good he is. I think it was the best scorer in the game snugly, and the way in which he resides just the situation and gives himself a bit of time and controlled bowling only in death.

"Even with the ball on the surprise package, you get this wicket, surprising root which does not look like making many mistakes there. It is a vital part of our side for a single day, and we hope that he plays with us the World Cup atmosphere."

If Faulkner ruled out, Moises Henriques and Shaun Marsh are the leading candidates to replace him.