The Australian all-rounder James Faulkner has been struggling to be in the national squad ever since they have won the World Cup in 2015. Incidentally, he was picked as the Man of the Match in the final of the 2015 edition against New Zealand, did not find his form back ever since and was excluded from the national squad for last year’s Champions Trophy, the second biggest tournament after the World Cup.

Faulkner made a comeback to the Australian limited-overs side for the tour of India last year but hasn’t played a Test match for almost a year now. He has played 69 ODIs, 24 T20Is and a solitary Test, Faulkner has signed a deal with Lancashire keeping in mind the World Cup in England next year.

Talking about his plans to cricket.com.au., the southpaw said, “I’ve never given up hope of playing for Australia again. I think I can still offer something and my experience of English conditions will hopefully carry some weight. But I know that counts for nothing unless I can have a strong season for Tasmania and that is my goal.”

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Faulkner has amassed more than 1,000 runs in ODIs that include a century besides 96 wickets and that make him more than just a handy player to have in the eleven. He made an impressive debut in international cricket in 2013 and did well in the World Cup, played at home three years ago.

Describing the same, James said, “I’d love to be back here helping us retain our World Cup. Winning man of the match three years ago was a career highlight and I’d love to repeat it.” Australia will be defending their fifth world title in England through their current form has not been encouraging enough.

The Australian team faced a 0-5 series defeat by the English team in a five-match series a few months back. Faulkner is currently busy preparing for the JLT Cup in which he will appear for Tasmania.