It was all about giving Brad Hodge strike: James Faulkner

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James-Faulkner-RR-vs-SRH-Eliminator-IPL-2013

He has been performing with the ball for the Rajasthan Royals, but in the Eliminator of the Pepsi Indian Premier League 2013, James Faulkner’s batting skills were called upon against Sunrisers Hyderabad. And the young Aussie came out trumps in that tense situation. With six wickets down and 31 runs required to win off 25 balls, Faulkner joined Brad Hodge (54 off 29) at the crease and helped take the team across the line with four balls to spare.  (Also Read: RR vs SRH - Eliminator Report & Stats: IPL 2013)

While speaking to IPLT20.com later, Faulkner who has, on occasions found himself at the receiving end of Hodge’s batting prowess in his country’s domestic circuit said that, he was glad to be on the same side at the senior Pro. 

Excerpts from the interview:

On whether the similar conditions when they beat SRH at Sawai Mansingh Stadium were at the back of the mind Yes, but it wasn’t at the back of the mind. It has obviously been a tough week for everyone involved but to get over the line there was an amazing feeling. Brad Hodge was the man of the moment and he thoroughly deserves it. 

On his batting and playing a supporting role to Hodge 

It is pretty much the bat and the ball in the end. At the end of the innings there is always going to be pressure and it is a matter of how you cope with it. The partnership (33 runs) was obviously good on Wednesday night. Brad Hodge pretty much sealed it for us. His innings was unbelievable. I have, at the other end, myself been playing domestic cricket against him but it is good to be at the same end this time. 

On the partnership

It was just a matter of getting bat on ball. I didn’t get off to the best start on my first three. After I struck my first boundary my confidence grew a little bit but it was all about getting Hodgey on strike. At the end of the day he hit over the fence two times in a row and we won the game so it was a good feeling. 

On the crucial wicket of Shikhar Dhawan and his plans for the SRH opener

I wouldn’t want to give too much away from our plans. It was pretty much about the basics in the end. To change the pace, back of length Yorkers is pretty much what every other death bowler tries to do. 

On being in contention for the Purple Cap

I am not really fussed about that. It is all about the franchise and I am lucky enough to get an opportunity this year and play some games of cricket for the Royals. I am really enjoying my time here so far and hopefully will continue for a few more days.

source: iplt20.com

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