Off and on the Field, Hameed Is a Class Act

England rookie Haseeb Hameed has shown maturity beyond his tender years this winter, Chris Stocks explains.

- Chris Stocks

That Haseeb Hameed has come back out to India to support England in these final two Tests says a lot about the youngster, as does his gracious attitude towards Keaton Jennings, the man who has replaced him in the team.

Hameed’s impressive debut series was cruelly cut short by a blow to the little finger on his left hand. It did not stop him scoring one of the bravest half-centuries by an England player in recent memory during his side’s third-Test defeat at Mohali, Hameed batting with his broken joint off the bat to score an unbeaten 59.

The 19-year-old opener, who scored 82 on debut in Rajkot last month, was desperate to play the final two Tests in Mumbai and Chennai. Wisely, though, he went home for surgery, a metal plate inserted into the finger last Friday.

Now, though, he is back and witnessed Jennings, captain Alastair Cook’s 11th opening partner in three years and his own replacement in the team, start his own fledgling Test career with a century. It must have been tough to watch for Hameed, with thoughts of what might have been for himself if only he had remained fit.

Yet Hameed’s class is not just restricted to his on-field performances.

“I’m very happy for the lads, and Keaton in particular,” said Hameed. “To make a convincing start is great for him and great for English cricket.

“But, of course, you want to be out there and be the one performing. I’m sure there’s something better in store for me out there, because of this injury. I’m a big believer that tough times bring out the best in you. I’ve found that in my short career so far.