Azhar Ali praised another fine innings by Jack Haynes and claimed: “he looks a tremendous prospect, not only for Worcestershire but England as well.”
Haynes followed up his 120 not out against Durham, his maiden red ball hundred, with 133 on day one of the LV=Insurance County Championship match with Derbyshire at the Incora County Ground.
He was involved in another lengthy partnership of 187 with Azhar (88) after the duo had featured in a 195 stand versus Durham.
Pakistan star Azhar has been hugely impressed with the contribution made by Haynes and believes he has the potential to achieve international honours.
Azhar said: “Jack looks a tremendous prospect, not only for Worcestershire, I think for England as well.
“He has had a good start to the season, and especially getting back-to-back hundreds is really exceptional.
“But the way he batted, he gave me a lot of confidence as well, especially the way he started, with four or five boundaries through the covers or cuts.
“He was leaving the ball really well, making really good decisions when he was at the crease, he definitely made the dressing room a lot calmer as well.
“I’m sure he is going to be a very good player, not only for Worcestershire but England hopefully.
“There is a long way to go for him, but I really love the way he bats and stays calm under pressure.
“There is a new England regime, and everyone will be thinking if they perform, they can get in. I wish everyone the best of luck.”
Worcestershire reached 326-5 off 96 overs by the close.
Azhar said: ““It was hard work to start off with, but we felt it was a very good cricket pitch so if you applied yourself, you could get in.
“Suranga Lakmal, an experienced bowler, has all the skills up his sleeve so we knew that we had to be on top of our game against him.
“He tested us this morning, and throughout the day, but when the ball got older, it was a much better pitch to bat on. We made full use of it.
“I was getting a little bit frustrated that I couldn’t put away a few boundary balls and it was the same with Jack.
“But the wicket was one where you had to be patient for periods of time and the reward would come. You can score boundaries very quickly in patches.”
END
Sent from Mail for Windows
