England call up Stuart Meaker as cover for Finn
The uncapped South Africa-born bowler has a lively pace that can trouble batsmen even on Indian tracks.
Surrey paceman Stuart Meaker has been called up into England's squad for the tour of India as cover for injured fast bowler Steven Finn, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced Saturday.
Finn suffered a thigh injury while bowling in England's tour opener against India A and is now doubtful for the first of a four-Test series starting at Ahmedabad on November 15.
However, England appear to be optimistic about the Middlesex quick's prospects as Saturday's statement said Meaker would return to the second-string England Performance Programme "once Finn is available for selection".
South Africa-born Meaker, whose arrival is subject to visa clearance, is uncapped at Test level but has played two one-day internationals and is capable of bowling at a lively pace, with the 23-year-old clocked at 90mph.
In the short term, Finn's absence could see Graham Onions and Tim Bresnan battling for the third seamer role in an attack featuring James Anderson and Stuart Broad.