James Faulkner : IPL, T20 WC experience will hold us in good stead

Australians have been doing really well in the IPL over the last few years and this year David Warner edged out Gautam Gambhir to claim the Orange cap with 641 runs. Steve Smith, on the other hand, scored 472 runs in his 15 games while leading his team, Rising Pune Supergiant, to the final of the competition. The facts not lost on Faulkner who claimed that having played in India consistently would be a boost for his side.

Faulkner also added that missing out on the Champions Trophy, earlier this year, was not easy for him but was quick to add that the break gave him the chance to introspect which has helped him come back stronger. Now, he is happy to be back in the team and is waiting to produce a solid performance.

"I have been battling to be honest, probably the last 18 months. It is good to be back with my teammates and hit the gym hard. I'm happy now.

"It was pretty tough. I think you ask any player when he gets left out it is not great fun. At the end of the day it is up to you to be back. I am excited to back in the group. I don't really want to talk about the past. It is a good opportunity against a tough opposition in their own country. I didn't get too much feedback (from the selectors) to be honest. The pace had dropped down a little bit maybe. I went back and reflected and wanted to get back into the team. I put that aside and worked as hard I could."

"We are obviously looking forward to playing a warm-up game before the series starts. The conditions here in Chennai are tough, it is hot and sweating too much. The boys are eager to get out there and play some good cricket, it is going to be a good series. The last time we were here we had some good, tough cricket, so we are all excited," Faulkner said.

"All the boys love playing here, the fans are so passionate about cricket. It has always been a good rivalry between India and Australia. I am looking forward to playing in India." 

"I suppose it is the variation and depth with both the bat and ball. I don't know about the X-factor regarding myself. There are players with X-factors in both the teams and that is international cricket. My aim is to do as well as I can and play my part in these conditions which are different from back in Australia," the Aussie said. 

"We have had two training sessions to get accustomed to the conditions. I am looking forward to the getting out there in the heat and bowling some variations and getting through the game with a solid performance.”