Cook lays down gauntlet to Surrey rookie Meaker

England touched down in India yesterday morning ahead of a five-week tour which will see them take on their hosts in five one-day internationals and one Twenty20.

Of the 15-man squad, Meaker is England’s only uncapped player.

The Surrey paceman, 22, was a shock addition to the squad given that he was not a first-team regular at the Oval until this season.

His form at Surrey – he took 44 wickets at an average of 22 this season – appears to justify his inclusion, however, and he could be fast-tracked in to the side given the absence of James Anderson, who has been rested.

South Africa-born Meaker, who regularly clocks over 90mph, has been compared to Brett Lee and Cook said: “I haven’t seen too much of him but the reports say he bowls very quickly and he is skiddy.

“He has got a great opportunity in the next few weeks to show what he can do.

“He bowls quickly and he has got the potential to swing the ball.”