Test allrounder James Faulkner has been instructed to bowl a limited number of overs in Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield match against Victoria.
Faulkner surprised by delivering just seven overs on Wednesday and 10 on day two for figures of 1-50.
But the left-armer has revealed he is being managed through the match by Cricket Australia after he was named in the squad for the first Ashes Test beginning next week.
“I’ve got a certain number of overs I’m going to be bowling and I’ll do as I’m told and try and take as many wickets as I can for Tasmania in this game,” he told reporters at Bellerive.
The 23-year-old won’t say how many overs that is but does agree it’s the right decision after seven-and-a-half months on the road.
“I’ve been monitored and looked after I suppose so it’s a good thing,” he said.
“The body’s good.
“It’s more mentally, switching on and off when you’re playing so many games of cricket and you’re on the road, getting on and off flights and hotel rooms.
“That’s probably the biggest thing, freshen up the mind and the head.”
Faulkner played in Australia’s last Test, against England at The Oval, but his selection for the Gabba was widely considered as cover for Shane Watson’s injured hamstring.
He said he had been given no indication yet about what his role in Brisbane would be.
Faulkner’s limited work for the Tigers came as Victoria reached a formidable first innings 6-339 after two rain-disrupted days.
Former Test gloveman Matthew Wade cracked an unbeaten 107, bringing up his seventh first-class ton with a pull shot for six over mid-wicket.
National selection panel chair John Inverarity has been in Hobart but Wade downplayed his chances of a return to international cricket.
“I haven’t spoken to Invers for a while,” he said.
“I don’t think I’ll be any chance of playing for Australia in the next little bit anyway.”
Another former Test batsman, Rob Quiney, made 82, while night watchman Scott Boland stuck around for more than four hours to make 51 from 213 balls.
Spinner Xavier Doherty was the best of the Tasmanian bowlers with 2-42 from 26 overs.
