Meaker fancies chance to play for England

Fast bowler Stuart Meaker feels by taking three wickets against Haryana on a flat batting strip, he has done a decent job, which may help him get into England XI for the first Test against India.

Meaker, who plies his trade for Surrey county, was called in at the last minute as a cover for injured Steve Finn.

With Stuart Broad also nursing a heel injury, his playing chances brightened. But, it depended on his performance against Haryana, a side that had last week got a hammering at the hands of Vidarbha.

Meaker said the wicket offered no, seam, bounce or spin.

"The wicket is flat. But, I have done no harm to my chances to get into the playing eleven by picking up three wickets. India is always a tough environment to bowl in," Meaker said after day's play.

Surprised with the call as replacement for Finn, Meaker said, "This is a great chance for me. Personally, if I perform here, it bodes well for my future. Whenever I get a chance, I try to impress through my performance."

The 23-year-old said he has always looked at the long-term picture rather than focusing on short-term goals.

Asked about the difference in quality of teams they have played for the practice matches and the Indian Test team, he quipped, "Overs are overs against any opposition. I got little net practice ahead of the match against Haryana. So, I'm feeling quite good now. Same holds true for batsman for whom runs are runs against any opposition."

About Nick Compton, who is all set to make his debut against India here, he said, "It's a great chance for him to showcase his skills. He is a gifted batsman and he is reaping rich rewards of his hard work."

Talking about Rahul Dewan, who scored a century, Meaker lauded the Haryana opener.

"He applied himself nicely and didn't give us too many chances. But, the pitch was totally flat. So, it was naturally easy for batsmen to adjust."

Dewan carried his bat through the innings with an unbeaten 143 as the host team ended their first innings at 334 in reply to England's 521.

Dewan was happy to have preformed well against a top side.

"It was good for my self-belief to perform against a Test team. The bowling was good. There were no loose balls on offer. No lapse in concentration could be afforded."

He said this match was a good practice ahead of the challenges in the Ranji Trophy.

Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images