Adam Griffith praises young quick Riley Meredith, but says it's too early to be considering him for international cricket
Coach tones down Warne's call-up talk
Hobart Hurricanes and Tasmania coach Adam Griffith has dismissed suggestions young quick Riley Meredith is ready for international cricket, saying the 22-year-old "has still got a lot of work to do".
Test greats Shane Warne, Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson have all singled out the speedster for praise during the KFC BBL with Warne even suggesting the right-armer could play both Test and one-day cricket for Australia this summer.
Just saw the Aust ODI squad that was announced & was absolutely staggered at some of the players that were left out & some of the inclusions - they don’t make any sense whatsoever. I was asked by @foxcricket to give my team - so here it is ! Thoughts ? Agree ? pic.twitter.com/4e6OMWWCWO%E2%80%94 Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) January 4, 2019
I’ve been really impressed with the pace of Riley Meredith tonight! Good wheels @BBL @HurricanesBBL @FoxCricket @FOXCricketLive%E2%80%94 Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) December 30, 2018
Meredith looking very good 👍🏼 Great pace & carry 🔥 #bbl2018%E2%80%94 Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 30, 2018
Griffith believes Meredith could one day be a solid international player but laughed off Warne's claim that he's ready for the top level now.
"He's got all the tools to become a very good fast bowler," Griffith told cricket.com.au.
"But he's still got a way to go yet with his experience and to get his body to a certain stage where he can play consistent cricket. He's come off a lot of injuries over the last couple of years.
"He's still got a lot of work to do. He's had a good start to the season, but there's a way to go with him."
After several serious back injuries, Meredith has been at full fitness this summer, allowing him to play six matches in the JLT One-Day Cup as well as four for the Tigers in the JLT Sheffield Shield before the BBL break.
Griffith believes Meredith is an example of why young cricketers shouldn't be rushed into international cricket too soon.
"He really needs to learn how to play the game first," Griffith said. "He's got to spend some time in domestic cricket.
"And that's (the case) across the board with a lot of our young cricketers; if we pick them too early, they're exposed to a high level and they're not ready for it.
"They don't understand their games and they don't understand their bodies.
"I think Riley needs to spend some time in domestic cricket, winning games for Tasmania and the Hurricanes. That'll hold him in good stead.
"He's definitely got the ability to play for Australia, but not quite yet."
Capable of bowling at speeds touching 150kph, Meredith has taken six wickets for the Hurricanes so far this season having been a late inclusion in Hobart's best XI following the injury to English quick Tymal Mills.
Having taken 14 wickets in four Shield matches leading into the tournament, the speedster has been a key cog in an impressive Hurricanes bowling attack.
"I think Tymal probably would have started but unfortunately obviously he got injured and opened a bit of a door for me," Meredith told cricket.com.au earlier in the tournament.
"I felt really good towards the back end of the Shield halfway mark. I guess I've carried that in.
"I haven't had a serious injury for two, two-and-a-bit years now, so I'm pretty confident bowling and don't feel like I'm going to get injured.
"I think there's a bit more clarity around my role and coming in and executing what the coach and captain want me to do.
"It's pretty special, those old Australian cricketers giving you praise. It's a good feeling."