Cricket: Australian World Cup winner James Faulkner reveals he is gay

James Faulkner won the World Cup with Australia in 2015.
James Faulkner won the World Cup with Australia in 2015. Photo credit: Getty

Cricket World Cup winner James Faulkner has revealed he is in a same-sex relationship.

The big-hitting all-rounder made the announcement on Instagram, while celebrating his 29th birthday with his mother and "boyfriend" Rob Jubb.

The 29-year-old is the first male Australian cricketer to come out as gay. Earlier this month, women's international Nicola Hancock married Kiwi batswomen Hayley Jensen in the Sunshine Coast.

Faulkner, who was part of Australia's 2015 World Cup-winning campaign, received a flurry of support from followers, including current international heavyweights.

"Happy birthday mate! Great courage," wrote all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.

"Happy birthday mate," wrote Aussie batting star David Warner.

One fan commended Faulkner on being courageous, while another congratulated him on officially coming out.

Faulkner's announcement comes eight years after former England international Steven Davies became cricket's first professional player to come out as gay.

Newshub.