James Faulkner: New Kid on the Block By Sandeep Kumar Roy

After a fine performance in the ODI Series in England, the Australian cricket team is now making life tough for the for midable Indian side here in India. If their current form is anything to go by the Aussies are certainly on the right track as far as their preparations for the 2015 World Cup is concerned. This Australian team has looked very impressive in the shorter form of the game in the past few months and looks all set to carry this winning momentum into the Ashes Series at home.

They were almost written off by their critics after their humiliating defeat in the Ashes Series in England earlier this year but they surprised everyone by winning the NatWest Series and are now on course of repeating their success in India. Although India started the series as the over whelming favorites, the visitors have given the home team with plenty to think about and were on the verge of recording a historic triumph on Indian soil when this article was written.

There have been many star performers for Australia in the series against India so far. Skipper George Bailey has led from the front with the bat while Finch, Hughes, Watson, Maxwell and Voges have also done a great job with the willow. In the bowling department, pace-bowler Mitchell Johnson has been the most impressive so far so far while McKay, Watson and Faulkner have also chipped in with crucial wickets.

The secret of Australia's recent success in one-day cricket has been the contribution made by the all-rounders and this is where young James Faulkner has stolen the show. This young man from Tasmania has shown plenty of promise and it seems that Australia has found a genuine all-rounder in the shape of this young Tasmanian who also plays for the Rajasthan Royals side in the IPL. Having played in India before Faulkner knows the Indian conditions better than most Australian players and perhaps this is the main reason for his fine display so far. Apart from being a wicket-taking bowler Faulkner is also a big-hitting batsman and his fantastic display with the bat at Mohali the other night was a clear indication of how dangerous he could be in the slog overs. To smash a bowler of the caliber of Ishant Sharma for 30 runs in one over speaks volumes of the ability that this man has. After the ODI Series against India,his next aim is to do well in the home series against England which is not too far away from now.

Faulkner,who is a tall man has set high standards for himself and believes in living up to those high standards. He has been one of the key figures in the Rajasthan side which has achieved great success recently under the captaincy of Rahul Dravid. With the series against likely to end in a close finish,Faulkner's all-round abilities might turn out to be the decisive factor. All-rounders always play a crucial role in limited overs cricket and this is where Australia's strength lies.With all-rounders of the ability of Watson, Faulkner and Johnson in the team the Aussies don't need to worry much in the coming days. With the calming influence of Faulkner in the side this Australian team is certainly capable of achieving great results in the near future. The return of Michael Clarke will provide a big boost to this Australian team ahead of the Ashes series but there is still a lot to play for in India before that and the Aussies would be very pleased with what they have achieved so far in their quest for glory on Indian soil.

So, will the Aussies continue their winning streak in India or will the home team come out on top in the remaining matches,only time will tell but at present we can certainly relish those wonderful memories of James Faulkner taking the attack to the Indian bowlers at Mohali. So, let's wish him all the best for a bright future and let's hope that he will produce many such magical moments in the days to come.

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