Australian cricketer James Faulkner has been charged with drunk-driving by the Greater Manchester Police.
The all-rounder has been released on bail and will face a court hearing at Manchester on July 21 after he returned a blood alcohol sample reading of approximately twice the United Kingdom’s legal limit which is 100 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.
Faulkner, who was the man of the match in the 2015 World Cup final in Melbourne against New Zealand, has been in England representing Lancashire in domestic cricket competitions.
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The 25-year-old will also face charges under Cricket Australia’s (CA) Code of Behaviour for conduct that is unbecoming of a representative or official and harmful to the interests of cricket.
“I have made contact with James to understand the facts of the matter. It is clear that he made a very poor decision to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking and that decision had potential to cause serious harm to him and others,” CA Executive General Manager of Team Performance Pat Howard said on Saturday.
“It is also clear that he is very disappointed and embarrassed by his actions given his position as a role model to young people. This is a very real wake-up call for James and all other Australian cricketers around the importance of responsible decision making. I have expressed my extreme disappointment and have informed him of the consequences under English Law and CA’s own regulations.”
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Following his release, Faulkner said: “I can’t excuse my actions and understand that I have let people down. My decision to drive was an error in judgement. I apologise unreservedly and accept any penalty handed to me by CA and the relevant authorities.”
Meanwhile, Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) can confirm that Faulkner will not be selected for Saturday’s Twenty20 Blast match against Yorkshire Vikings at Old Trafford. LCCC will work alongside, and under the direction of, CA and will consider additional steps that are deemed appropriate in the next few days.