'Foolhardy' Faulkner given two-year driving ban

James Faulkner has been banned from driving for two years and fined £10,000 after he admitted the drink-driving offence which had already led to him missing the forthcoming limited-overs leg of Australia's tour of England.

Faulkner, who was Man of the Match in the World Cup final in March and is currently playing for Lancashire, was found to be nearly three times over the legal limit when he gave a breath test after his Toyota hit the back of a BMW 3 Series car in West Didsbury, Manchester on July 2.

Manchester Magistrates' Court heard that he did not want to walk the one mile home in heavy rain following an evening out with a friend from Tasmania, previously reported to be team-mate Tim Paine.

District Judge Mark Hadfield said: "I am sure you accept it was foolhardy in the extreme to get behind the wheel of your vehicle having been out for a meal with your friend."

The judge explained that he had reached his decision on the level of Faulkner's fine because a community order would not be possible given his circumstances.

Speaking on behalf of Faulkner, his manager Phil Weston said: "I deeply regret my actions which gave rise to my behaviour."

Cricket Australia had already implemented their own disciplinary procedures shortly after Faulkner was stopped by police last month while he was also fined by Lancashire. He was handed four suspension points by CA for a level three offence which meant he was immediately ruled out of Australia's ODI against Ireland then the T20 against England and the start of the one-day series.

"Given he will be unavailable for a significant component of that series, Faulkner will not be considered for the Australian T20 or ODI squad when it is announced in mid-August," a CA statement said. "Faulkner may be considered as a replacement for an injured player following his suspension if required.

"Faulkner will also have to undergo an alcohol management counselling programme, as determined by the Cricket Australia chief medical officer and pay for any damage to property caused by his actions while driving."