When young Haseeb Hameed walked out to bat at number 9 in the 3rd Test match with a broken finger and a changed grip, one knew that this kid is here for the long haul. He has impressed one and all with his uncomplicated technique, and with his valiant effort in the second innings at Mohali, he gave a glimpse of his ability to withstand personal pain and put his body on the line for the team.
These virtues are not found every day, and after four years ever since the retirement of Andrew Strauss, England may well have found a jewel. The young boy who has learned all his tricks in Lancashire is already drawing comparisons with Geoffrey Boycott and after his impressive performances in India, it is now clear that these comparisons were not misplaced.
Also read: Haseeb Hameed ruled out of remaining Tests due to finger injury
Here is why young Hameed can be the next Boycott, albeit a more flamboyant one.
#1 Temperament
There is only so much a batsman could do with technique, but if the temperament is dodgy, the journey could be scarred with plenty of shortcomings.
An unflappable temperament is imperative to succeed at the highest level and Hameed has shown that he refuses to be broken down when confronted with adversity.
He puts a big price on his wicket, and this is where he gives so much to the opposition to think about. People who have watched Boycott play will vouch for the fact that Hameed too plays in a bubble and shuts out any distractions and has his eyes set on the job at all times.
A great virtue to have indeed!
#2 Watertight technique
Ever since the retirement of Andrew Strauss, England cricket has gone from pillar to post to look for Alastair Cook's partner at the top of the order.
They have found as many as 10 players, but none have looked secure against seam or spin. Sam Robson, Alex Hales, Michael Carberry the list goes on, but none of these players were able to nail down their spot. They were found out at the highest level, and looked at sea against either seam or spin and thus the musical chair continued.
Haseeb came in as a young prodigy and England cricket decided to go in with him and the boy has certainly displayed excellent technique against both seam and most importantly spin. He plays with soft hands and allows the ball to come to him and plays it under his eyes.
He has seldom looked out of place and even though there is still work to do against short-pitched bowling, Hameed has shown enough to convince everyone that it won't be long before he finds a way to deal with nasty chin music.
#3 Nimble footwork
Historically young English batsmen have always found it extremely difficult to start against the turning ball. Not Hameed.
His technique is more subcontinent than English, as he is very nimble on his feet and comes either right forward or goes right back to counter spin. Also, he is not hesitant to use his feet and this is big positive at the outset.
Compare this to Ben Duckett, another young promising batsman who has struggled against spin because he is stuck on the crease. Hameed refused to be buckled down by the Indian spinners and even though he was defending for survival during the second Test, he looked more assured than even his captain Alastair Cook!
#4 Ability to leave balls
Knowledge of the off stump is one of the biggest traits an opening batsmen should have. Hameed has shown tremendous patience and has no qualms in leaving balls outside off and this then forces the bowler to come closer and then he can clip them off his hips with ease. A massive factor, more so when the ball is seaming around!
Also, when the pitches are turning this ability to soak up pressure is instrumental in succeeding!
#5 Wide range of strokes
While Boycott was a blocker by all means, Hameed can pull out strokes if the situation so demands. His crisp strokeplay towards the end of England innings in Mohali against the spinners was a testament to his hitting abilities.
Against the spinners, he is adept both off the front as well as backfoot. He stands up tall to a length ball and then punches it through the covers. If the ball is pitched up, he gets real close to the pitch of the ball and relies more on timing and placement to get the ball in the gap.
The fact that he did not look hurried against both the seamers and spinners bodes well for his and England's future!
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