“We are hopeful this is only a low grade injury but will know more in the coming days”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia all-rounder James Faulker has been ruled out for the remainder of the ongoing tour of New Zealand after suffering a hamstring injury.

Faulkner complained of stiffness in his hamstring while bowling during the first ODI on Wednesday and made the injury worse when he went out to bat.

Faulkner was one of Australia’s better performers during the match, which New Zealand won by 159 runs, as he took two wickets and was the second-highest scorer with 36 runs.

“James reported increased stiffness in his right hamstring during the first innings tonight and found it difficult running during our batting innings,” Australia’s sports science manager Alex Kountouris said. “Unfortunately, with the short turnaround between games we do not believe he will recover in time to take any further part in the series. As a result, he will return to Melbourne tomorrow to have scans and start rehabilitation.

“We are hopeful this is only a low grade injury but will know more in the coming days.”

With Faulkner out of action, Australia have called up Marcus Stoinis as his replacement. Stoinis, 26, has only represented Australia in one ODI and one Twenty20 International to date.