Hope to play in Mumbai when I come next: Haseeb Hameed

English cricket found a new teen sensation in 19-year-old Haseeb Hameed. On a tough Indian tour, when most batsmen struggled, Hameed showed great character with the bat. He had an impressive start to his Test career as he hit 82 in the second innings of the Rajkot Test. He injured his finger in the third Test but still turned up to bat in the second innings for England.

Batting with a broken finger, Haseeb Hameed showed a great character as he scored a fighting 59. Although England ended up losing the Mohali Test, Hameed had won hearts. He was ruled out for the remainder of the series but was praised for his efforts. However, for a youngster who spent a lot of time in Mumbai, it was only unfortunate to have missed out on the Mumbai Test.

Someone’s pain is someone’s gain. The adage stood true as Keaton Jennings, drafted in as Haseeb’s replacement, scored a brilliant ton on debut at Mumbai. Haseeb Hameed was at the stands applauding his competition. The 19-year old was in all praise for Keaton’s knock. He did mention that he would have loved to play as well.

“A day full of mixed emotions. You obviously want to play and score. But it was very nice to see Keaton bat the way he did. It was very good to watch how he went about. Very pleasing. Great to watch him,” said Haseeb Hameed.

In the conversation with India Today, he further added that he has loved the support he has got in India. He is very hopeful to play in front of the Mumbai crowd when he tours next with the English side. “The support that I have seen from both sets of fans has been amazing. Something I am very grateful for and hopefully the next time I come with the team, I will be able to play in Mumbai where I spent a lot of time as a youngster and that will be a dream come true as well,” he mentioned.

He further added that making his Test debut at the home soil of parents was a great feeling. Haseeb made his Test debut against India at Rajkot. He had scored a gritty 82 on debut and missed out on becoming the 19th Englishman to score a Test ton on debut. Keaton Jennings just did that!