‘Hameed better than young Cook’

JIMMY ANDERSON believes Haseeb Hameed already has a better technique than England’s leading runscorer Alastair Cook at the same age. The England fast bowler’s claim that the Lancashire opener is more “technically sound” than Cook at 20 might raise a few eyebrows. But as the Red Rose pair prepare to tackle Essex – without Cook, who pulled out on Wednesday with a hip injury – at Old Trafford today, Anderson has not held back in saddling the young batsman with sky-high praise and expectations. “Haseeb has got all the attributes to cope with anything that’s thrown at him,” said Anderson. “His ability frightening for such a young lad.

“I’d say he is as talented as anyone I’ve seen coming into the England side during my career. I know Cookie is the leading runscorer but I’d say he is a better, more technically sound opening batsman than Cook.

“You see teams using short balls, trying all sorts, around the wicket, and he seems to cope with it all. When your opening batter has that calm way about him, it settles the whole dressing room.

“He is going to need that if he gets down to Australia. I’m sure they will throw everything they’ve got at him, certainly with pace, short balls, aggression, verbals. But, with his calm nature, he’ll be able to handle it.”

If Hameed has a lot to look forward to, Anderson concedes the twilight of his own career is upon him. The is 34-year-old missed a Test against Pakistan last summer after a stress fracture to his right shoulder and skipped the final Test of the India tour with ankle and shoulder injuries.

“I’m not getting any younger and, considering the injury problems of the past 12 months, I know I might have to miss the odd game,” said Anderson, who starts the season as England’s leading wicket-taker with 467 Test victims.

“Everyone I speak to says you are a long time retired so I am going to get myself in the best possible condition to play for as long as I can. Whatever happens, whether I get to 500 wickets or not, will happen.”

JIMMY ANDERSON was speaking on behalf of BRUT Sport Style, the new fragrance from men’s grooming brand BRUT.