England appear increasingly confident Steven Finn will be fit for the start of their four-Test series against India.
Those who might conceivably be called in to replace the fast bowler, still recovering from a thigh strain, believe that Finn will be ready for selection for the first Test on Thursday.
Endorsing Tim Bresnan's assessment 24 hours earlier, Stuart Meaker said: "Looking at how Steven Finn is going, he's getting closer and closer to being ready."
It seems now that, of England's two injured seamers, Finn is more likely to be fully fit in time than Stuart Broad - who has been prescribed rest, and has therefore yet to put his bruised left heel to the test.
Irrespective of England's Test attack, one man sure to be in action against India next week is Nick Compton - after his third successive half-century in the latest tour game against Haryana.
A Test debut beckons for the 29-year-old, as Alastair Cook's new opening partner, and Meaker said: "I think it's a great chance for him to show what he's done in the county season.
"He's a very gifted batsman, and the runs speak for themselves in the County Championship and out here.
"I think he'll do well for himself. But only he can decide how well he does in that first couple of games.
"It's great for him, and great to see the hard work he's put in during the County Championship has paid off for him here.
"I'm really pleased for him that he's going to be given that chance to prove himself."
