Meaker Called up in England Squad as Finn Cover

London: Surrey fast bowler Stuart Meaker will join England's Test squad in India as cover for the injured Steven Finn.

Meaker, 23, will fly to India next week and is expected to play in the final warm-up game - against Haryana on 8-11 November - before the first Test.

Finn suffered a thigh strain during the opening tour match against India A.

South Africa-born Meaker has played in two one-day internationals for England, both against India last October, but has not yet featured in a Test squad.

Born in Pietermaritzburg, the Surrey academy product signed a new three-year deal with his county in September after taking 44 wickets in this year's County Championship at an average of 22.56.

Finn, who only managed four overs against India A before he pulled up while fielding, is competing for fast bowling spots with James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Graham Onions and Tim Bresnan.

Meaker's arrival this week - which is subject to his obtaining the necessary visa - will swell the England Test squad to 18 players, although he will return to England's Performance Programme squad once Finn is available for selection.

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