"James Faulkner can play purely as a batsman,” says coach Dan Marsh

Melbourne: Australia's James Faulkner may be in doubt to miss the start of the cricket World Cup due an abdominal side strain but his state coach Dan Marsh believes that the all-rounder can be picked in the XI purely as a batsman.

Son of national selector Rod Marsh, Dan believes that the Tasmanian is more than talented to demand a place in Australia's first-choice one-day line-up even if a side strain restricts him from bowling. "I think it is something that he's always been picked as, an all-rounder, for Australia but there is no doubt that he's got the talent to do it," the Tasmania coach said.

"It just depends on the role they want him to play. I think he's a good enough player to bat higher up the order if needed. I know he's done it before at No.6 for Australia," he added.

In just 38 ODIs, Faulkner has emerged as a strong all-round force, averaging over 48 with the willow and 32.36 with the ball. "He's always had that supreme confidence in his ability," Marsh said.

"The first time I played a game with him I was his captain and he was telling me what field he would need to bowl to straight away," he added.

Though Faulkner's injury is not too serious with Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris saying that the extent of the strain will only be known in two weeks time but the left-arm pacer is expected to take field after the hosts' opening game against England. Marsh said that Faulkner's fitness is key to his 100 per cent contribution with bat and ball.

"I think the one thing with side strains is it isn't just a given that they're going to be able to bat properly either. It could be a while until he can bat, too. I don't know how bad it is. His bowling is very underrated. He bowls at difficult times, at the death in powerplays, and does a great job," he said.