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Haseeb Hameed better than Alastair Cook, James Anderson says

England's captain Alastair Cook (R) and Haseeb Hameed run between the wickets during the fourth day of the second Test cricket match between India and Engl
Image: Alastair Cook (R) and Haseeb Hameed opened for England in India over the winter

Haseeb Hameed is a better opener than England's highest Test run-scorer Alastair Cook, James Anderson has claimed.

Hameed made an instant impact at international level in the winter, scoring two half-centuries in three Tests against India - the second of them with a badly-broken finger than ended his tour.

The 20-year-old needed a scan on another hand injury this week but is expected to start Lancashire's County Championship season alongside Anderson on Friday against an Essex side missing the injured Cook.

Haseeb Hameed and England were frustrated by a wet outfield in Chittagong
Image: Hameed's talent is 'frightening', says James Anderson

And on the eve of the new domestic season, Anderson could not resist talking up the "frightening" ability of his team-mate.

"His ability and his talent is frightening for such a young lad, so I think he'll cope with anything," said Anderson. "He's right up there.

"I know Cookie is the leading run-scorer - but I'd say he is a better, more technically sound opening batsman than Cook.

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"I don't want to talk him up too much - he's bound to have the worst year of his life if I do! But yes, I think he's just a very exciting talent."

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And Anderson says Hameed has the temperament to cope if he is picked for a first Ashes tour later in the year.

"I'm sure they will throw everything they've got at him - certainly with pace, short balls, aggression, verbals - I'm sure they'll go at him," he said.

"They usually pick on the young guys - but with his calm nature, I think he'll be able to handle it."

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