Alastair Cook: Haseeb Hameed hopes his opening partnership with Test captain continues
Tuesday 10 January 2017 15:05, UK
Haseeb Hameed hopes his burgeoning opening partnership with Alastair Cook can continue this summer despite doubts over his future as Test skipper.
Hameed, who has been nominated for a British Ethnic Diversity Sports Award, impressed in three Tests he played during the 4-0 series defeat in India that has seen questions raised over Cook's captaincy.
"Obviously we don't know what the situation is with Cook," said Hameed, talking to Sky Sports News HQ. "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 was sadly cut short after breaking his finger in the third Test in Mohali, though despite the injury he scored a second half century on the tour following his 82 on debut in Rajkot.
"The finger is getting there," Hameed added. "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."
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