New Delhi: England captain Alastair Cook confirmed that the 19 year old Haseeb Hameed will open the batting for England at Rajkot. Here are some interesting facts about the talented young right hander.
Youngest English opener
Haseeb, who was first selected in the England squad for Bangladesh tour will finally get his test cap at Rajkot tomorrow. At the age of 19 years and 297 days he will be the youngest player to open the batting for England in a Test match and fourth youngest ever to appear for the three lions.
The Gujrat connection
The right hand batsman was born at Bolton, Manchester in England but his parents hails from Gujarat, India. Therefore, he yet another Indian origin player after the likes of Naseer Hussain, Monty Panesar, Ravi Bopara and Samit Patel, who ended up representing England.
Lancashire lad with a healthy average
Hseeb Hameed plays for Lancashire in the English county championship and an impressive last season in which he scored more 1200 runs has earned him an England call up. In his 20 first class appearances Haseeb has scored 1455 runs at a healthy average of 48.50.
Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are his heroes
Like many aspiring cricketers he idolizes Sachin Tendulkar and modern day super star Virat Kohli. It will be a dream come true for young Haseeb when he makes his debut against Virat Kohli’s India.
England’s answer for Ashwin?
If Alastair Cook’s words are to be believed then this young lad can be England’s answer to India’s spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Amit Mishra. “He’s incredibly unflappable, looks a very good player of spin, looks like he picks length very well, uses his crease going back or forward well. He’s actually superb, you would not know he’s 19. He has scored runs at every level he has played. I was nowhere near the player he was (at that age).”Cook said.