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Riley Meredith is a right-arm fast bowler from Tasmania, Australia, widely known for his consistently high pace and impressive skillset. He has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket today. In this profile, we'll take a closer look at the cricketer's background, rise to prominence and career highlights.
Born on June 21, 1996, in Hobart, Tasmania, Riley Meredith grew up playing cricket with his father and brother. From an early age, he showed great potential as a quick bowler with natural action and perfect timing. Despite being small in stature compared to other fast bowlers, he generated tremendous pace with his slingy action.
As a teenager, he was part of the Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS) academy program where he developed his skills under the guidance of experienced coaches. Despite being sidelined by injuries that kept him out of action for almost two years between 2018-2020, he never lost sight of his passion for cricket.
Riley Patrick Meredith, born on June 21, 1996, in Hobart, Tasmania, emerged as a promising cricket player. Representing various teams including Australia, Hobart Hurricanes, London Spirit (Men), Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Tasmania, and Tasmania Under-23s, he gained recognition for his right-arm fast bowling and hard-hitting batting skills. He made his mark in domestic cricket and caught the attention of selectors with his performances.
Riley Meredith made his international debut for the Australian cricket team in March 2021, representing the country in T20Is. Prior to his international debut, he had a successful domestic career, playing for Hobart Hurricanes and Tasmania. He showcased his skills in various formats, playing T20 matches, List A matches, and first-class matches. With his right-arm fast bowling, he has taken significant wickets and demonstrated an average of 23.98 in T20 matches. As a lower-order batsman, he has contributed valuable runs.
Riley Meredith's cricketing career has been highlighted by his performances across all formats of the game. In his short but impactful international career so far, he has played 5 T20Is and 1 ODI for Australia.
In the T20I format, Meredith showcased his ability to pick up wickets at crucial moments. With an average of 23.50 and an economy rate of 9.98, he has proven to be a valuable asset for Australia in this high-scoring format. His best figures of 3/48 demonstrate his effectiveness in breaking partnerships and providing breakthroughs when needed.
Although his ODI debut was not as successful, conceding runs without taking any wickets, Meredith will be looking to make his mark in this format as well. With his potential and talent, it is only a matter of time before he becomes a regular feature in Australia's limited-overs squads.
At the domestic level, Meredith has been a key player for Tasmania and Hobart Hurricanes. He has consistently delivered impressive performances with both bat and ball. In first-class cricket, Meredith's average may not reflect his true potential; however, it is worth noting that he still managed to take key wickets when needed.
In List A matches, Meredith showcased his ability to restrict opposition batsmen with an economy rate of 5.28. His best figures of 5/26 further emphasise his skill in limited-overs cricket.
In the shortest format of the game, T20s, Meredith has been a standout performer. With an average of 23.81 and an economy rate of 8.47, he has proven to be a reliable option for his team. His best figures of 4/21 demonstrate his ability to dismantle batting lineups and play a crucial role in victories.
Riley Meredith has made significant contributions in several major tournaments and series throughout his career. While he is yet to feature in ICC tournaments such as the World Cup or the Champions Trophy, he has showcased his skills in other competitions.
One of the highlights of Meredith's career so far has been his performances in domestic T20 leagues, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL). In 2021, he was bought by Punjab Kings, and his pace and ability to generate bounce made him a valuable asset for the team. Although he played only a few matches, he left an impression with his raw pace and wicket-taking ability.
In 2022, Meredith was picked up by the Mumbai Indians, one of the most successful franchises in the IPL. Representing the defending champions, he continued to impress with his express pace and ability to trouble batsmen. Despite facing some challenges, he showed great character and determination on the field.
Riley Meredith is primarily known as a right-arm fast bowler who bowls consistently over speeds of over 140kph and generates good bounce off the pitch. He has had some injury concerns, but when fit and firing on all cylinders can be very effective with both the new ball and in the death overs.
Meredith's bowling is built around his ability to generate good pace and seam movement. He has worked on his accuracy, but can sometimes be guilty of overpitching on occasions, which has resulted in him being hit for runs. However, his wicket-taking abilities have made him a valuable asset to any team he represents.
Off-the-field, Riley Meredith is known for being a hardworking professional who takes his cricket seriously. He is someone who is always looking to improve himself as a player and tries to learn from experienced cricketers within the team setup.
Riley Meredith's impact on the game of cricket cannot be underestimated. While he may not have an extensive list of records or accolades to his name just yet, his unique playing style and raw talent have certainly left a mark on the sport.
Despite being relatively new to international cricket, Riley Meredith has already made significant strides in his career. While he may not have received any major awards or accolades at this point, there is no doubt that he possesses immense potential.
Riley Meredith's journey from a talented youngster from Tasmania to becoming one of Australia's most promising fast bowlers has been inspiring. With his raw talent and dedication towards improving his skills further, there is no doubt that he will continue making headlines within Australian cricket circles for years to come.
FAQs
What team does Riley Meredith play for?
As of April 2023, Riley Meredith is playing for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a replacement for Jhye Richardson.
When did Riley Meredith make his international debut?
Riley Meredith made his international debut for Australia in March 2021 in a T20I match.
What is Riley Meredith's bowling speed?
Riley Meredith consistently bowls at a pace of 140 kph or more.
For which team did Riley Meredith play in The Hundred?
Riley Meredith played for London Spirit in The Hundred tournament.
Has Riley Meredith ever been injured while playing cricket?
Yes, Riley Meredith has suffered from injuries for nearly two years since his domestic debut.
