Dubai: The Australian team arrived early on Monday — all set to take on the challenge from Pakistan starting with the one-off Twenty20 International match at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai Sports City on Sunday.

Star all-rounder James Faulkner is delighted to be back in the UAE after having played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches here early this year, but is now focused on giving his best against Pakistan.

Talking about his experience in UAE, he said: “I was delighted with the opportunity to play here. The wickets we’ve played here had a little bit in them early with the new ball swinging and seaming. It was tough to start off each innings and after that, it was pretty good batting conditions and ball came off the square nicely — all the grounds were also in good condition. However, conditions do change when it comes to Twenty20 and One day cricket and we should play as good as we can as a team against Pakistan.”

The Dubai International stadium may once again witness a full house after the IPL matches during the Twenty20 match on Sunday. Though it is only a one-off Twenty20 match, Australia are taking it very seriously.

“Any time you play another country, no matter if it is a one game series or a three or five game series you are up to the challenge. Pakistan are a very good team and I know they are very used to these conditions in the UAE — it’s going to be very tough to play against in these conditions,” added Faulkner.

A key member of the Rajasthan Royals team in last IPL, Faulkner said he has overcome the knee injury which had troubled him in last domestic season.

“My fitness is good. My body is in good condition and I want to play some good cricket for my county if selected and help my team get over the line in as many games as possible. Every time we get to play cricket you want to give your best and all that I can control is try and take as many wickets as I can and score as many runs as possible.”

Faulkner does not agree that Pakistan will be an easy side in the absence of Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez, who is unlikely to bowl.

“They are two very good international players and they are going to miss them, but Pakistan must have found some players to fill their roles.”

Faulkner is aware that this series is important in the light of the World Cup early next year.

“We have to think about what is to come down the track and at the same we need to worry about this series as we have set out for this series to win and play some really good cricket.

“As far I am concerned, I have to worry only about the two weeks here and then go back and assess where my game stands. There is a lot of water to flow below the bridge before the World Cup happens in Australia.”