Australia suspend Faulkner on behavioural grounds

Sydney, July 14: Australian all-rounder James Faulkner was suspended on Tuesday following Cricket Australia (CA) 'Code of Behaviour' process.

The board has charged the 25-year-old with a level three offence under its 'Code of Behaviour' after he was found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol in the United Kingdom earlier this month.

“Faulkner has been charged under the code for conduct that is unbecoming of a representative and that is or could be harmful to the interests of cricket. In accordance with the procedure of the code, he was offered - and accepted - sanctions in lieu of a hearing before a Code of Behaviour Commissioner,” said a CA release.

He received a four match ban and will not be able to play against Ireland and England in late August and September.

Given he will be uvailable for a significant component of that series, Faulkner will not be considered for the Australian T20 or one-day intertiol squads when announced in mid-August. He however, may be considered as a replacement for an injured player following his suspension if required. IANS