Tasmanian speedster Riley Meredith picked in preliminary Australian squad for white ball tours of England

Injury cut down Tasmanian quick Riley Meredith during the BBL but national selectors have not forgotten the exciting talent, confirming his status as a potential future Australian seamer.

• Injury cuts down rising Riley
• Hurricanes squad depth to get tested

THE credentials of Riley Meredith as a future Australian representative have received another massive boost, with the emerging speedster named in a preliminary squad for the ODI and T20I tour of England in September.

While Cricket Australia is yet to finalise whether the tour will go ahead, the governing body is working towards a return to international cricket as soon as feasibly possible.

To assist with preparations a 26-strong list of players has been selected, with Meredith joined by fellow Tasmanians Ben McDermott and Matthew Wade and Hobart Hurricanes teammate D’Arcy Short.

It is a huge vote in confidence for the 24-year-old, who missed the back end of last season after suffering a side strain during the BBL.

Riley Meredith lets rip BBL match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Brisbane Heat at Blundstone Arena in Hobart, Friday, January 3, 2020. Picture: AAP/ROB BLAKERS

Prior to his injury Meredith had firmly entrenched himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the country with his raw pace, having been selected for Australia A in a tour match against Pakistan in November.

“It was a bit of a surprise, I certainly wasn’t expecting it at the start of the year, especially after missing the back half of last year, but really exciting,” Meredith said.

“I’m guessing things will change a few times between now and whenever it happens, if I get an opportunity I will just try and take it.”

Meredith was set to make his return to the Sheffield Shield team in the second last match of the season only to be struck down with a bout of gastro, before the last round was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cricket Australia’s executive general manager of national teams Ben Oliver said although the England tour is yet to be locked in, it was important to give prospective players adequate time to prepare.

““The preliminary list includes several exciting young players who have recently excelled at state level and in the BBL,” he said.

“We believe they have a bright future in Australian cricket. The preliminary list also has a view towards the upcoming T20 World Cup and in the longer term the 2023 World Cup.”

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