Teenage english batsman Haseeb Hameed is relishing the prospect of being a “target” for Test bowlers after his inclusion in England’s squad for their tour of Bangladesh.
The 19-year-old Lancashire opener could become just the sixth teenager ever to play Test cricket for England if he is selected for next month’s first Test in Chittagong.
By contrast recalled off-spinner Gareth Batty will be 39 when he has the chance to add to his seven Test caps, having last played for England 11 years ago.
Age has been no barrier to either player’s success in the current English season.
Hameed has scored 1,154 runs for Lancashire, including four hundreds, at an average of 52.45 in 15 First Division matches in the County Championship.
With Alex Hales missing the tour on security grounds, Hameed now has a chance to partner England captain Alastair Cook at the top of the order.
“I am sure Test bowlers might target me,” Hameed said Friday.
“But the same principles apply. I have to control what I can and give myself the best chance to go out there and succeed and that means preparing well,” added Hameed, the son of an Indian-born cricket fan who settled in the Lancashire town of Bolton, northwest England.
