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Uncapped pace ace keen to learn on UK tour

3 minute read

The call-up that Shane Warne has been calling for could come next month, with exciting quick Riley Meredith on the cusp of making his debut for Australia.

SHANE WARNE.
SHANE WARNE. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Express paceman Riley Meredith can't wait to pick the brains of Australia's star-studded attack as he seeks to fulfil the immense potential that has long been admired by Shane Warne.

Warne's pleas for Meredith to make his international debut, based on the fact he can almost hit the 150km/h mark and boasts a nasty bouncer, have become one of the sounds of the Australian summer.

Meredith, who will fly to England for the first time in his life when Australia's 21-man squad departs on Sunday for a limited-overs tour, is now within striking distance of that cap.

"I've probably got to buy Warney a beer at some stage once corona is over," the 24-year-old grinned, rocking a moustache that would make Mitchell Johnson or Merv Hughes proud.

"I wouldn't really say it's put that much pressure on me ... that outside noise goes out of your head a bit.

"Bloody excited to get over there and get into it, but pretty shocked as well.

"Being a big cricket fan, as a player I've been looking up to most of these guys for the better part of five or 10 years really."

Fellow young gun Jhye Richardson earned the nickname 'Shadow' on his maiden tour because of how closely he followed Mitchell Starc around.

Meredith plans on adopting a similar approach in England, where the touring party will be in lockdown at hotels adjacent to grounds in Derby, Southampton and Manchester.

"Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc and Joshy Hazlewood. They've been mainstays in Australia's line-up in all three formats for five years," the right-armer said.

"So any tips I can get off them will be bloody good."

Meredith has already made a big impression on Steve Smith, dismissing the superstar twice in 2019-20.

The BBL sensation is one of three uncapped players in the enlarged squad, but national selector and former Hobart Hurricanes captain George Bailey will be one familiar face in the biosecurity bubble.

"George called me into his office when they were about to announce the (preliminary) 26-man squad and congratulated me," the Tasmanian said.

"A few weeks later he gave me a call that I was in, so that was pretty good to hear from him. I've known him for a long time."

Meredith is keen to square off against former BBL teammate and fellow speed demon Jofra Archer during the series, while he has vowed to stick to his strengths in unfamiliar conditions.

"I'll definitely be trying to go flat out the whole time," he said.

"That's why I have been picked, basically on my pace."

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