Friday 16 September 2016 15:06, UK
Haseeb Hameed says his England call-up is a dream come true and is confident he can repay the faith selectors have shown in him on the forthcoming tour of Bangladesh.
The 19-year-old was named in England's squad for two Tests in Bangladesh and, should he make his international debut this winter, will become England's youngest ever Test opener.
"I'm obviously delighted to get the call and when I did get the call it was quite emotional for myself and my family," Hameed told Sky Sports News HQ.
"You almost get flashbacks to when you were a young boy and dreaming of getting that call-up. To get another step closer to achieving that dream has been outstanding and it's something I will cherish over the years.
"I've always had the dream of doing it at a young age as well. I've always wanted to do things at a young age and I've had no fears about doing things at a young age. It's pleasing the selectors have showed faith in me at the age of 19 and I'm confident that if I continue working hard I can perform out there as well."
The opener has been in fine fettle for Lancashire this season, racking up almost 1,200 runs in County Championship Division One at an average of 52.45.
"It's been pleasing to put in performances this year," he said.
"The one thing I look for in my cricket is to be able to put in performances consistently and to be able to do that against some good bowling attacks has been quite satisfying.
"It was important for the young lads [at Lancashire] to put our hands up and step up to try and get the runs that Ashwell Prince and Paul Horton did last year. To be able to do that has been particularly pleasing."
Hameed's patient and meticulous playing style has seen people draw comparisons between him and a young Geoffrey Boycott, with some labelling to the teenager 'Baby Boycott'.
"It's funny because Boycott was one of my dad's role models growing up so maybe it has something to do with that," he said.
"But if you look at me - I'm not as physically developed as other guys so I rely a lot on timing and patience and spending time at the crease.
"Growing up in the north - with wet and slow wickets - I've had to wait for the ball and play late so I'm sure that has helped me develop that sort of technique. But I feel if I'm strong in my basics I can expand my game in the future and I'll continue to play my way."
