"He just goes out to bat like he's still playing schoolboy cricket" - David Lloyd criticizes Haseeb Hameed's style of batting
David Lloyd is concerned that Haseeb Hameed’s reliance on defense does not augur well for a reliable English opening combination.
Hameed marked his return to the England side after a hiatus of more than four years for the series against India. He replaced Dom Sibley, who had been struggling for runs for quite a while.
The young Lancastrian has hit two half-centuries in three Tests in the series so far.
But David Lloyd stated that Hameed gave the impression of playing schoolboy cricket. He was critical of the opening batter for turning his innings into a 'blockathon'. Writing for the Daily Mail, David Lloyd said:
“Categorically, we don't have an opening combination, it's as simple as that. Hameed gives me the impression he just goes out to bat like he's still playing schoolboy cricket. There has to be a game awareness about him. He can't just turn an innings into a blockathon."
Haseeb Hameed is nicknamed “Baby Boycott” in domestic circles for his tight defensive technique. But the excessive reliance on low front-foot defense is not earning him plaudits from pundits on the international stage.
"There's a good chance Bairstow goes out of the team now" - David Lloyd
David Lloyd reckons Jonny Bairstow may be benched for the final Test against India at Old Trafford. He believes Jos Buttler will get straight into the side and take over wicket-keeping duties, meaning one batter in the middle-order will have to miss out.
“I assume he's going to get the gloves back straight away. Otherwise, why would he be back in the squad? Maybe they told Jonny Bairstow he was only going to have them for one game. Jonny didn't do much wrong at The Oval but he didn't command. There's a good chance Bairstow goes out of the team now," David Lloyd added.
Jos Buttler missed the fourth Test to attend the birth of his second child. He has been recalled for the fifth Test in Manchester, which will be played from September 10.