After a national overseas stint of just over five months, the 26-year-old, former Launceston cricketer is enjoying some rare time at home with family while preparing in the gym and nets for the domestic and international season to come. 

As Australia begin their Test cricket tour of Sri Lanka, Faulkner said he would love to be there.

“I’d definitely like to be playing Test cricket but as I said all along it is in my hands and the ball is in my court and that’s about scoring runs and taking wickets,” he said.

“This season I’m available for the majority of Tasmania’s four-day games so I hope to get my body right and put some big performances on the board – that’s what I’m after and to help Tassie get some wins.

“If I play well in these half a dozen Shield games there is no reason why I can’t play Test cricket again but that’s up to me.”

Faulkner said switching formats from red to white ball and Twenty20 cricket presented its challenges but he was keen to continue to put his hat in the ring for all three.

“I want to play all three formats so I have to find a way to adjust. I’m still learning how to get that balance going between red ball and T20 and back to one dayers while travelling and making sure I’m in decent physical nick.”

He said he expected to slot into his usual No.6 spot in the Tigers batting line-up for Shield games and admitted it was taking some time to get to know the fresh, young faces in the squad.

“It’s been a while but it’s nice to settle back into the cold weather and spend some time in my own bed.

“I’m supposed to leave on the 14^th so it is a good month I get to spend at home and I’ve been training Monday to Friday’s and spending a bit of time with my family down the East Coast. 

“My focus is on getting some strength back in my body, lifting weights and working on my skills and cardio so it’s sort of like a mini pre-season.”