Quantcast

Faulkner expects fireworks against India

Hostilities to resume as World Cup preperations step up a gear in Melbourne

All-rounder James Faulkner is predicting a fiery clash when Australia renews hostilities with India at the MCG on Sunday.

Fresh from a Test series victory notable for simmering tensions that occasionally boiled over into heated on-field exchanges, Australia will again look to gain a psychological advantage ahead of next month's World Cup.

And Faulkner makes no excuses for the approach.

"As long as it's controlled," Faulkner said.

"That's part of the game and always has been.

"We play good, aggressive, fair cricket - it's the way Australia has always played and will continue to be that way."

Australia kicked off the Carlton Mid ODI Tri-series with a three-wicket win against England at the SCG on Friday.

Faulkner said this was due, in large part, to the superb performances of David Warner, who smashed 127 runs from 115 balls, and Mitchell Starc, who claimed four wickets.

"(Warner's) hitting balls to all parts of the ground and really controlling his innings - it's a credit to him," Faulkner said.

"And I think the way Mitchell Starc set the tone at the beginning of the game was outstanding and it rolled on after that."