Hameed Plays Generation Game On Road Back To Top

Paul Edwards reports on how family is playing a big part in the career of a young England player rediscovering his form

Four tranquil centuries, three Test matches, two broken fingers and all belonging to one batsman who scored 1,198 Championship runs in his first full season yet managed less than half that tally in his second.

Given that medley of facts, it is certainly wise to remember Haseeb Hameed is only 21 years old, especially so when one considers given the weight of expectation still resting on those slight shoulders.

Viewed in that context, it was perhaps fortunate the Lancashire opener sustained the second of his fractures near the end of last season, at a time when his chance of being selected for the Ashes tour had surely gone.

The recovery and recuperation which followed gave him an opportunity to reflect on a couple of remarkable seasons. More importantly, perhaps, it gave Hameed a chance to work on his game with his father, Ismail, the coach who understands his son’s cricket best of all.

“I’ve had the most success when I’ve worked with my dad,” said Hameed. “I experienced the highs of 2016 and the lows of last year and then I was able to look at what I could have done differently.

“But I’ve found that when I’ve worked with my dad, my game has been in better shape.

“You need that one person and it’s a close and important relationship for me. You can’t take information from everyone, even though people have the best intentions when they offer you advice.”