Faulkner out for Bangladesh clash

James Faulkner has ruled himself out of Australia's second Cricket World Cup clash, against Bangladesh on Saturday but the allrounder is moving ever closer to a return to full fitness from his side strain injury.

Faulkner today said he was "no chance" of playing the Pool A clash at the Gabba on Saturday and while he was feeling good in the nets had yet to attempt to bowl or throw.

The 24-year-old could be a possibility to return for the February 28 showdown with New Zealand in Auckland. Asked when he would be fully fit again, Faulkner replied: "That's the question I'm asking as well.

"I'm not too sure, it's been just over two weeks now (since he picked up the injury bowling in the Carlton Mid ODI Tri-Series final).

"I suppose time has flown a bit but hopefully I'm back sooner rather than later."

Faulkner injured in tri-series final 

While Faulkner continues his recovery, Mitchell Marsh made a splash in Australia's 111-run victory against England, taking 5-33 to go with 23 runs.

And while Marsh had been widely seen as warming the seat for Faulkner, the Tasmanian believes there's room for both to play in Australia's XI.

"I don't think we're actually fighting for the same sort of spot, we're different players," Faulkner said in Brisbane.

"Mitch has always been a batter and his overs have been handy. I know he's working hard on his bowling and he got some rewards the other day.

"I think we can both definitely play in the same team and we have a few games so far so there's no reason we can't continue.

Faulkner deflected questions about Shane Watson, who was dismissed for a first-ball duck and bowled three wicket-less overs against England, pointing to previous occasions where the trio of allrounders had played in the same team.

The value of James Faulkner

"The beauty about the Australian set-up is it's such a strong squad, it's going to be hard for spots. That's a great thing for Australian cricket and a great thing for the whole team, you've got to really be on your toes and when given a chance you've got to grab it with both hands," Faulkner said.

The allrounder said he expected to resume bowling "at some stage this week" but the nature of side strains meant there was much uncertainty around his return.

"Everyone is a little but unsure but hopefully the rehab I've done with the medical staff has kept me in good shape for what's to come," Faulkner said.

"I haven't been given any fitness deadline, I'm not sure what their (the selectors') plan is with that.

"I'll just do as I'm told with the medical staff and concentrate on that. It's rehab 24/7 for me and will continue to be until I'm back."

Australia’s World Cup Fixtures

February 14: beat England by 111 runs at the MCG

February 21: v Bangladesh, 1:30pm at the Gabba

February 28: v New Zealand, 2:00pm at Eden Park (NZ)

March 4: v Afghanistan, 2:30pm at the WACA

March 8: v Sri Lanka, 2:30pm at the SCG

March 13: v Scotland, 2:30pm at Blundstone Arena

View the full fixture list here