Former Canes coach returns to professional coaching ranks, joins rising star Riley Meredith in IPL

A lack of experience in sub continent conditions will be no deterrent for IPL first-timer Riley Meredith, with a fellow Tasmanian backing the young gun to continue his meteoric rise

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EXCITING quick Riley Meredith has never stepped foot in India but a former Hurricanes coach with plenty of sub continent experience believes his fellow Tasmanian can set alight the Indian Premier League.

Last month Meredith was snapped up by the Kings XI Punjab for $1.42m, the highest amount ever paid for an uncapped overseas player in IPL history.

The 24-year-old has since made his international debut in the Twenty20 series against New Zealand, impressing in his three appearances.

He will be joined at the Kings XI by Damien Wright, who returns to professional cricket as a bowling coach for the first time since departing Cricket Tasmania at the end of the 2016-17 season.

Former Hobart Hurricanes coach Damien Wright will return to the professional coaching ranks at the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Wright, who worked with Meredith who was then a rookie on the Tigers list, has followed the young quick’s progress and has no doubt he can have an immediate impact on his IPL debut.

“I had probably his first two to three years when he was in the squad as a rookie contracted player,” Wright said.

“Even back then he was always a very exciting and promising prospect and was always going to get to the highest level, there is no doubt about that.

“I’ve loved watching his progression through the game and what he’s been able to do and he’s been tremendous for the Hurricanes and the Tigers, and been rewarded with those Australian representative games.

“Now I actually believe in this IPL he’s going to make a real statement and be one of the better bowlers in the competition.

“His performances over in New Zealand when he was given that opportunity and that cap, it just showed you that he’s not overwhelmed by the international stage or international players.”

Wright is tipping Riley Meredith to continue his rise during his first IPL stint. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Meredith joins a squad containing fellow Australian quick Jye Richardson, English star Chris Jordan and Mohammed Shami.

While unsure of where he fits in the pace bowling pecking order, his is hoping to impress when he touches down in India next month.

“It’s pretty impossible to predict really, you don’t know which four [imports] are going to be playing every game, so it’s just trying to put my best foot forward at training every day and hopefully just fighting for a spot,” Meredith said.

“A bit of a case of getting over there and getting into a few trainings and seeing what the pecking order is I suppose.”

Australia's Riley Meredith appeals for a LBW call on New Zealand's captain Kane Williamson during the fifth Twenty20 cricket match between New Zealand and Australia in Wellington on March 7, 2021. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP)

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