Cricket: Faulkner will travel with cup squad despite injury

James Faulkner of Australia celebrates as he hits the winning runs during the One Day International match between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 18, 2015 in Melbourne. Photo / Getty Images

James Faulkner's World Cup hopes remain in limbo after scans confirmed he has a moderate-grade abdominal strain.

The allrounder broke down during Australia's 112-run Tri-Series final win against England in Perth on Sunday but he is still little the wiser about whether he'll be able to return to play in the World Cup campaign.

"Scans on James Faulkner's injured side have confirmed a moderate-grade abdominal muscle strain, which is consistent with a typical fast-bowling side strain injury," team phsyiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.

"He will receive intensive treatment for the next two weeks before we can determine when he can return to batting and bowling. He will travel with Australia's ICC Cricket World Cup squad to Adelaide on Friday to continue his treatment."

Cricket Australia has previously said all its World Cup squad must be passed fit to play in Australia's second match of the tournament, against Bangladesh on February 21.

Meanwhile, Paceman Josh Hazlewood reckons England are scratching their heads trying to find a way to break the one-day stranglehold Australia have over them.

The win in Perth was Australia's fourth in a row over their oldest rival and eighth in their last nine contests against England in 16 months. The two teams clash at the MCG on February 14.

"I don't think they quite know how to beat us yet, especially in Australia," said Hazlewood. "We've obviously proved that over the last few years, especially this series again, beating them a few times. They will be scratching their head, I guess, of how to get on top of us in this first [World Cup] game."

Hazlewood agreed left-arm paceman Mitchell Johnson appeared to have England's number, as he followed up his 2013-14 Ashes demolition of them with another wrecking job in the Tri-Series final.

He was excited at the prospect of opening the bowling at the World Cup and providing a right-hand alternative to left-arm flamethrowers, Johnson and Mitchell Starc.