James Faulkner suspended for Australia's matches against England and Ireland after drink-driving offence

Faulkner will miss the upcoming limited overs matches against Ireland and England

Australia all-rounder James Faulkner has been suspended for a drink-driving offence (Getty Images)

James Faulkner will miss the limited-overs leg of Australia's tour of England for disciplinary reasons after being charged with drink-driving.

Faulkner has spoken already of his regret at the incident, at the start of this month, and has learned since that it will mean he plays no part for Australia in England this summer.

The 25-year-old World Cup-winning all-rounder was charged with drink-driving this month, during a stint with Lancashire, and two days before the Ashes Test at Lord's, Cricket Australia announced he is highly unlikely to be involved in the Royal London Series and NatWest Twenty20 international at the end of the summer.

A statement read: "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.

"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."

Faulkner has received four suspension points, which will effectively rule him out of a one-day international against Ireland at the end of next month and then the first three of five against England.

The statement added: "Given he will be unavailable for a significant component of that series, Faulkner will not be considered for the Australian T20 or ODI squad when it is 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 programme, 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 added: "James has acknowledged the seriousness of his actions and has accepted the penalties handed down today.

"He has co-operated 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.

"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."

More to follow...