James Anderson Calls Haseeb Hameed Better ‘Opener’ Than Alastair Cook ‘Technically’

Apr 7, 2017 at 1:37 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
James Anderson Calls Haseeb Hameed Better ‘Opener’ Than Alastair Cook ‘Technically’

England fast bowler James Anderson claimed that rookie batsman Haseeb Hameed has a better technique as an opener than former English Test captain Alastair Cook, who recently relinquished from the captaincy after the 4-0 drubbing against India in a five-match Anthony de Mello series — to see his compatriot Joe Root being appointed as a new skipper.

“I know Cookie [Alastair Cook] is the leading run-scorer – but I’d say he is a better, more technically sound opening batsman than Cook,” Anderson was quoted as saying by English media.

The 34-year-old stated termed Hameed as “exciting talent” in the years to come.

Anderson, who is a teammate in the County season for Hameed, claimed the right-handed batsman is a genuine prospect for the County Championship.

“He’s right up there. His ability and his talent is frightening for such a young lad, so I think he’ll cope with anything,” Hameed added.

Ending the series on a high, Hameed not only showed the resistance while spending quality time at the crease but he had a variety of shots on display during the India-England series. He also scored two fifties – to make an early impact in his international stint.

The 20-year-old Hameed batted with Alastair Cook during the India series in which he has scored 219 runs at an average of 43.80 runs in three Tests he played before he was ruled out for the remainder of the series due to a broken finger.

Hameed is expected to play for Lancashire’s first game in County championship on April 7.

“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,” Anderson further added.

Moreover, for the domestic season, Lancashire is scheduled to play Essex on Friday. However, Essex will miss the services of Cook due to an injury.

On the other hand, Anderson reiterated Hameed could handle the sheer aggression from Australia if latter gets picked for Ashes tour.

“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.

Hameed, who has the ability to bowl leg-break, has to undergo scan following his left-hand injury when he was hit by a delivery of Tim Moses, who plays for Cambridge MCCU.

“They usually pick on the young guys – but with his calm nature, I think he’ll be able to handle it,” Anderson concluded.

Bolton-born Hameed has made his first-class debut in 2015 and there on, he has played 26 matches in which he amassed 1,714 runs, at an average of 43.49 runs. He smashed four hundreds and 11 fifties to make the testament of his batting ability.

On the other hand, in 122 Tests, the right-handed bowler, Anderson has bagged 467 wickets for England at an average of 28.50 runs-per-wicket.

Related Article
IND vs ENG: Missing The Battle Between Virat Kohli And James Anderson, I’m Looking Forward To It – Nasser Hussain
IND vs ENG: Missing The Battle Between Virat Kohli And James Anderson, I’m Looking Forward To It – Nasser Hussain

Feb 7, 2024, 6:35 PM


IND vs ENG: We Feel Well In The Game, We’re Going To Try And Chase It Down – James Anderson Opens Up On Their Strategy For The Record Chase Against India
IND vs ENG: We Feel Well In The Game, We’re Going To Try And Chase It Down – James Anderson Opens Up On Their Strategy For The Record Chase Against India

Feb 5, 2024, 1:45 PM


IND vs ENG: India Were Quite Cautious, Even When They Had A Big Lead – James Anderson On India’s Defensive Batting Approach
IND vs ENG: India Were Quite Cautious, Even When They Had A Big Lead – James Anderson On India’s Defensive Batting Approach

Feb 5, 2024, 1:00 PM


IND vs ENG: That Is A Very Rare Thing To Happen On Indian Pitches – Sanjay Manjrekar Hails James Anderson For His Terrific Bowling Against India
IND vs ENG: That Is A Very Rare Thing To Happen On Indian Pitches – Sanjay Manjrekar Hails James Anderson For His Terrific Bowling Against India

Feb 3, 2024, 4:19 PM


IND vs ENG: To Get Rohit Sharma As My First Wicket Was Very Very Special – Shoaib Bashir Opens Up On The Dream Debut Against India
IND vs ENG: To Get Rohit Sharma As My First Wicket Was Very Very Special – Shoaib Bashir Opens Up On The Dream Debut Against India

Feb 3, 2024, 12:01 PM


IND vs ENG: I Thought He Under-bowled Himself As Captain – Ben Stokes On Utilising Joe Root’s Bowling Prowess In The 1st Test
IND vs ENG: I Thought He Under-bowled Himself As Captain – Ben Stokes On Utilising Joe Root’s Bowling Prowess In The 1st Test

Feb 2, 2024, 12:32 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner