James Faulkner to miss post-Ashes limited-overs series after drink-driving suspension
Australia all-rounder James Faulkner has been suspended for four games for drink driving, meaning he will miss the limited-overs games after the Ashes.
While playing for English county side Lancashire, Faulkner returned a reading almost three times the legal alcohol limit while driving in the United Kingdom earlier this month.
The 25-year-old was charged with a level-three offence under Cricket Australia's (CA) code of behaviour and accepted four suspension points.
That means he will miss a one-day international against Ireland on August 27, a Twenty20 clash with England four days later, and a pair of ODIs against England on September 3 and 5.
Despite the fact that there are three ODIs after the September 5 clash at Lord's, CA said Faulkner will not be considered for the limited-overs squad when it is named in mid-August.
Faulkner is a key cog in Australia's limited-overs teams with bat and ball and high-performance manager Pat Howard said CA "would like to think that this episode is very much out of character".
"James has acknowledged the seriousness of his actions and has accepted the penalties handed down today," Howard said.
"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."
Faulkner will also undergo alcohol management counselling and pay for any damage to property caused by his actions while driving.