4-match ban for drink-driving Faulkner

London - Cricket Australia has charged all-rounder James Faulkner with a level three offence under its Code of Behaviour after he was found to have been drink-driving 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.

He received four suspension points which, having regard to the matches for which Faulkner was most likely to be selected, apply to the following matches in Australia’s upcoming series of limited overs matches against Ireland and England:

· Ireland v Australia One Day International – August 27, 2015

· England v Australia Twenty20 International – August 31, 2015

· England v Australia One Day International – September 3, 2015

· England v Australia One Day International – September 5, 2015

Given he will be unavailable for a significant component of that series, Faulkner will not be considered for the Australian T20 or one-day international squads when announced in mid-August. 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 program as determined by the Cricket Australia Chief Medical Officer and pay for any damage to property caused by his actions while driving.

He has also been formally reprimanded by Cricket Australia for his behaviour.

Cricket Australia Executive General Manager of Team Performance Pat Howard said: “James has acknowledged the seriousness of his actions and has accepted the penalties handed down today. He has cooperated fully with the disciplinary procedure and is deeply remorseful.

“We have reminded James that his actions had serious potential to cause harm to him and others. Aside from the suspension handed down, he has been formally reprimanded for his behaviour.

“In saying that, we do acknowledge that James has been a player with a good track record and we would like to think that this episode is very much out of character.”

Meanwhile, Lancashire County Cricket Club has been in constant communication with Cricket Australia and has carried out its own disciplinary process.

The Club will continue to work in conjunction with Cricket Australia to whom Faulkner is a contracted employee.