Hamza Shaikh talks ‘brilliant week’

Hamza Shaikh says it has been a brilliant week for him and his family after his England U19 call up and scoring runs or Warwickshire.

The 17-year-old batter was called up to England’s U19 squad before playing in Warwickshire’s Metro Bank One Day Cup opener against Somerset where he performed maturely with bat in hand.

“Yeah, it’s been a brilliant week for me and my family,” said Shaikh. “It’s not been the biggest run scoring season, been a bit quiet but some good knocks here and there.”

Shaikh played four times in the One Day Cup for Mark Robinson’s side last season and made the most of each game, and the youngster seems to be doing the same this time round. 

Shaikh, who wears number 15 for Warwickshire, scored (38) and it’s clear to see he’s enjoying his cricket. “Coming into this game, after this week has been great,” added Shaikh.

“I came into a situation where we lost a couple of wickets early, and then I had to just get through. I probably started off a bit slow but got some runs for the team which helped us into a nice position.

“Gutted I couldn’t have been there at the end, but hopefully next time I can finish the job.

“Last year I was mostly focused on opening the batting, obviously my games varied with me being able to come in at five or six, it’s all about adapting to the game and playing as much cricket as I can.

“Today’s performance as a team and myself, also getting to know that I’ll be a part of the England U19s is special.”