Haseeb Hameed: Lancashire's Paul Allott says batsman's form is a 'mystery'
- Published
Haseeb Hameed was dropped for Lancashire's last three County Championship matches
Lancashire director of cricket Paul Allott says Haseeb Hameed's deteriorating performances with the bat are a "complete and utter mystery".
Hameed, 21, scored just 165 County Championship runs this season - at an average of 9.71 - as the Red Rose were relegated to Division Two.
In 2016 he averaged 49.91, earning an England call-up and three Test caps.
"Haseeb Hameed is a dilemma for us - we gave him more opportunity, probably, than he deserved," Allott said.
"Far too many games, probably, but having said that I've not seen a more talented young opening batsman in my 40-odd years in the game."
Hameed scored 219 runs in his three Test appearances for England in India until a broken finger ended his tour prematurely.
Allot says Lancashire are "looking to youth", while also seeking to bolster their batting ranks having missed out on g Joe Clarke, who instead ed Nottinghamshire.
"The way he [Hameed] played here for us two years ago and then went to India and opened the batting for England - he was everybody's choice as the next Alastair Cook basically," Allott told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"Where his form and function have gone and disappeared to is a complete and utter mystery to us.
"I'm obviously very keen that he rejuvenates himself and finds his form again."
Interview with BBC Radio Lancashire's Scott Read.