Hameed released after suffering slump in form

Haseeb Hameed, who hit two Test half-centuries for England as a 19-year-old in India three years ago, has been released by his county Lancashire, and will now have to find a new county where he can rebuild his career.

Hameed hit 31 and 82 on his Test debut, which he followed up with an undefeated 59, belying a broken finger, in his third Test. After averaging 43.80 in the series in India, he was widely hailed as a new long-term opening batsman for England.

But Hameed’s form disintegrated when he returned to Lancashire, meaning that he has not regained his place in the Test team since the 2016 series in India. Last summer he averaged just 9.44 in first-class cricket for Lancashire, and was even dropped to the second XI.

It was Lancashire’s decision to replace Hameed, a club statement said. “The club met with Haseeb on Friday

Mystery: Haseeb Hameed’s form has disintegrated and explained its decision, and the 22-year-old is now free to discuss opportunities with other counties. The club would like to thank Haseeb for all of his commitment and efforts since he made his first-class debut in the 2015 season, having come through the academy.”

Hameed’s loss of form was described as a “complete and utter mystery” by Lancashire director of cricket Paul Allott after last summer.

Observers have suggested reasons including changes to his technique after breaking into Lancashire’s oneday team in 2017, familial pressure and difficulty readjusting to domestic cricket after his initial international success.

Despite his poor past three years, a number of counties will be interested in Hameed. One side who may be keen are Somerset, where Marcus Trescothick is retiring at the end of the summer.