Brisbane ODI: Faulkner expects high-scoring encounter on flat track

James Faulkner

Brisbane: Another 300-plus run pitch was likely for the second one-day international against India in Brisbane, Australia all-rounder James Faulkner yesterday.

James Faulkner

The Australians comfortably ran down India's 309 for three to win the opening ODI in Perth by five wickets on Tuesday and Faulkner said to expect the same flow of runs at the Gabba on Friday.

"Everyone was quite surprised by the way the wicket played in Perth, it was very flat and we saw a lot of runs scored," Faulkner told reporters.

"I think any time you see 300 runs scored and chased it's definitely a flat wicket.

"I'm expecting the same sort of scenario here as well, I haven't seen a one-day wicket that hasn't been flat here for a fair while, so it should have good pace, carry and be a good contest again.

"In general it's a tough gig bowling in Perth and here.

Easy scoring here
"Runs can be scored so fast due to the pace on the ball. Everyone got hit the other day so I don't think you can single out one or two bowlers."

Indian opener Rohit Sharma scored an unbeaten 171 in his team's innings in Perth, but Steve Smith and George Bailey both scored centuries to get Australia home on a lifeless WACA pitch in the ODI series opener.

"Every time you go onto the ground you try to entertain, I don't think you specifically go out there and think ‘I want to put on a show', it's more worrying about what you can do to contribute to the team," Faulkner said.

"The revolution in T20 cricket and how successful the Big Bash League has been this season with the crowd numbers that have attended and also on TV, it's only going to get bigger. "It's an exciting time for cricket in general, you're seeing a lot more high scores in the one-day format as well. That's entertaining enough."