James Faulkner has become a regular member of Australia’s Test squad during the past 18 months.

But unfortunately for the combative allrounder, not a regular starter.

His teammates’ woes and his own fitness never seem to align – Faulkner is yet to add to his 2013 Test debut at The Oval.

Faulkner was 12th man for the opening two clashes of the 2013-14 Ashes series on home soil, but fractured his thumb in Perth.

The 24-year-old was back to his best in the one-day series that followed, piloting Australia to a dramatic one-wicket win over England at the Gabba with a six-laden knock of 69 not out.

Then came a knee injury that required surgery.

He was forced to withdraw from the Test tour of South Africa, where Shane Watson tweaked his calf and missed the first two games.

It’s an obvious what-if, but one Faulkner is not keen to ponder as he prepares for Friday night’s Twenty20 clash with South Africa at the MCG.

Instead, having flown home early from the UAE after watching the one-sided Test series from the sidelines, Faulkner is simply hungry to play cricket.

“It’s been a long road since I had knee surgery at the end of last season,” Faulkner said on Thursday.

“The last few games I’ve started to get a lot of confidence. Last night I felt really good with bat, ball and in the field.”

Faulkner, who scored 41no in Wednesday’s T20 opener, is a prime example of cricket’s jam-packed schedule, overlapping formats and pliable priorities.

When Australia’s T20 bout with the Proteas is over, he will return to Sheffield Shield cricket.

“I’d rather be playing an ODI, I’m not going to lie to you,” said Faulkner, who on Wednesday was named in the ICC’s one-day team of the year.

“But the selectors obviously haven’t picked me, so I’ll go back to Shield cricket.”

Not that he’s complaining about being a perennial Test tourist.

“You can look at it like you’re not playing and kick cans,” he said.

“Or you can look at it as an opportunity to train and prepare with Australia’s best. That’s how I look at it and try to improve my game in the nets.”

Ace T20 allrounder Glenn Maxwell returns on Friday night to boost the side that was thumped by seven wickets at Adelaide Oval.

“He’s a world-class T20 player and he’s proved that all around the world,” Faulkner said.