“I’m hungry to get back into it”
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
England opener Haseeb Hameed is determined to make his international comeback sooner rather than later as he approaches the end of a long road to recovery.
Hameed made his Test debut during England’s tour of India in November last year and impressed right away. However, his tour was ended after the third Test in Mohali, where he suffered a broken finger and managed to make an unbeaten 59 in the second innings.
Following that match, Hameed returned home and underwent surgery. With the 20-year-old nearing full fitness, he is ready to make his presence felt on the international stage once again. But, with England playing no Test cricket until July, he will take part in the England Lions’ tour of Sri Lanka next month.
“The hand is getting there,” Hameed said at a Chance to Shine Street event. “It’s okay. I got the go-ahead today to start hitting some cricket balls, so hopefully I can start preparing for the tour of Sri Lanka.
“It has been nice to have a break but it was frustrating having to sit at home. It’s probably been the longest break since I started playing. I’m hungry to get back into it.
“I’m looking forward to starting again with Lancashire and going from there.”
Hameed also admitted that he was pleased to receive so many compliments following his impressive performance in India, but added that he will not let it go to his head as he is still in the infancy stage of his international career.
“It is always humbling to hear people at the highest level speak fondly of you and it is obviously flattering at times,” he said. “That should give you confidence but you have got to make sure you don’t let it go to your head. You have to make sure that doesn’t get reflected in complacency or over-confidence.
“There are highs but a lot of people will say you can get right to the top but then cricket can bring you down. It is important to stay level.”