“I’d like to think I’ll still get the opportunity to open the batting with him”
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England opener Haseeb Hameed has revealed that he is determined to keep opening the batting with Test captain Alastair Cook.
Hameed made his debut in the recent five-Test series against India, which England lost 4-0, and had a strong showing as he accumulated 219 runs, which included two half-centuries, in three Tests at an average of 43.80.
But, while the 19-year-old enjoyed opening the batting with Cook, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the latter in regards to the captaincy.
Prior to the start of the series, Cook hinted to The Cricketer Magazine that his time as captain was coming to an end as he said: “Deep down I don’t know how much longer I am going to carry on. It could be two months, it could be a year.”
He also said that vice-captain Joe Root was ready to take over the reins and speculation became rife about his tenure as skipper coming to an end at the conclusion of the series, where he revealed that he needed some time to think over things.
“Obviously we don’t know what the situation is with Cook,” Hameed told Sky Sports. “But I’d like to think I’ll still get the opportunity to open the batting with him.
“It’s something I really enjoyed in the Test matches I played in, and hopefully I can do it at home in England as well, and continue learning from him.
“He was brilliant with me in India. He made it very easy for me to go out there and play my game – he was very relaxed in the middle, and that rubbed off. It was just a case of watching how he goes about his business which was great for me to see out in the middle, first hand.”
Hameed’s tour came to an end prematurely due to a broken finger, which required him to return home and undergo surgery. Prior to that, he showed serious grit and determination as he made an unbeaten 59 in the second innings in the third Test in Mohali.
When asked about his recovery, the Bolton native said: “The finger is getting there. It has been four and a half weeks since surgery, and they normally say it should take six weeks for a full recovery.
“I’ve started hitting some tennis balls, that went well, and hopefully I can build on that and be ready for Lancashire’s pre-season tour in February.
“Getting that first cap for England, but then actually going out there and performing was brilliant, and something I’ll hold with me for a long time.
“It was a very proud moment. The way it all worked out, playing my first Test match in my father’s home state, scoring a fifty as well, was great.
“But part of my dad’s message was I should have scored 18 more and got a hundred. That’s what I’ve always had from him – never settle for what you’ve achieved, and always aim for more. Hopefully I’ll take that forward.”