I couldn't have asked for more, says Haseeb Hameed's father

Nineteen-year-old opener Haseeb Hameed had a special audience at the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium, Rajkot when he came out to bat on his Test debut. His family — father Ismail, mother Najma, elder brother Nuaman younger brother Safwaan, sisters Ateqah and Subhana — watched as Hameed stroked his way to his maiden half-century with a boundary off India leg-spinner Amit Mishra on day four. Hameed ended the day unbeaten on 62 with captain Alastair Cook at the other end and eventually finished at 82 after getting dismissed in the morning session.

Hameed’s Test debut against India here is an even bigger occasion for the family as his ancestors come from the village Umraj in Bharuch some 373 km away from Rajkot. The family is in India for Nuaman’s marriage with Nadiya, which was conducted in Bharuch last week. But Haseeb was not part of it because he had to be with the team ahead of a crucial series.

“Haseeb couldn’t attend it as he was with the team. But it is ok, we all understand,” said his elder sister Ateqah. “I am very happy, I couldn’t have asked for more,” is all that his father could say, still basking in the glory of his son’s achievement.

“But, (pointing at Safwaan) he was a much better cricketer than Haseeb. He was to go to Australia but had to stop playing because of injuries,” added the father who used to make Nuaman and Safwaan play cricket in the living room with a plastic ball and bat. Like all Asian expats, they loved cricket and cricketers. Former Pakistan cricketer Salim Malik would often drop in at their residence in Bolton.

“He is calm, very level-headed and a very good observer,” said Safwaan of his brother. This is one quality that has been praised by England captain Alastair Cook.

Teammate Adil Rashid said: “He has got a good head. He is very clever and works hard in the nets. He has also got a very good sense of humour and I think he is fitting well in the dressing room. He is a great talent and he showed that today. Hopefully, he carries on tomorrow and makes a big one here.”