India must watch out for Meaker, says Fraser

Former pacer Angus Fraser says England's latest speed sensation -- Stuart Meaker -- is all set to pump up the pace in upcoming ODIs against India

India must watch out for Meaker, says Fraser

Former pacer Angus Fraser says England's latest speed sensationu00a0-- Stuart Meakeru00a0-- is all set to pump up the pace in upcoming ODIs against India

Former England fast bowler Angus Fraser has asked India to watch out for 22-year-old fast bowler Stuart Meaker, who is set to burst onto the international arena in the forthcoming five-match ODI series that gets underway at Hyderabad on October 14.

Watch out india! Stuart Meaker in full flow during a tour match between
England Lions and Sri Lanka A in August Pic/getty images

Meaker, who stands at a modest 6 ft 1 inch, is the fastest bowler in England today, clocking average speeds of 93-95 mph during the just-concluded domestic season. "Stuart is a very exciting young fast bowler. He's strong, fit and aggressive. He hits the pitch hard, can bowl in excess of 90 mph at all times.

Angus Fraser

He can also swing the ball away from the right-handed batsmen. He's been picked in the squad because England's selectors believe he can bring a different flavour with his express pace on flat Indian pitches. I, for one, am very interested in seeing how he goes," Fraser told MiD DAY from Birmingham.

Meaker was born in Durban and is one of five players in the India-bound 15-man squad of South African descent. "Yes, but he's still a product of the English cricket system. Surrey (County Cricket Club) must take credit for his fast progress.

Guys like Meaker, Jade Dernbach, Matt Prior and Andrew Strauss moved into England at a younger age, unlike Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott and Craig Kieswetter, who played most of their meaningful cricket growing up in South Africa," said Fraser.

Asked about England's growing pace-battery, Fraser said: "There are a lot of exciting fast bowlers in England today. Obviously, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Chris Tremlett and Tim Bresnan are the leaders of that attack, but with guys like Dernbach and Meaker quickly improving, it's a good position for English cricket to be in."

Only six of the 15 touring Englishmen have played ODIs in India. But, Fraser felt the absence of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag from the Indian squad would even out the contest. "I think this series will be a lot more competitive than the one we just had in England. A one-day series in India is always a special event. I can sense huge excitement and massive crowds. It'll be a wonderful experience for these youngsters. English cricket goes there (to India) very confident," concluded Fraser.

Eng's tour of India
OCT 14: 1st ODI, Hyderabad
OCT 17: 2nd ODI, Delhi
OCT 20: 3rd ODI, Mohali
OCT 23: 4th ODI, Mumbai
OCT 25:: 5th ODI, Kolkata
OCT 29: T20I, Kolkata