Andrew Robert Isaac Umeed, a prominent cricket player hailing from Scotland, is well-known for his old-school style of batting, which is characterized by his patience and determination. His remarkable talent was on full display during the 2017 County Championship season when he achieved the second slowest century in the history of the tournament.
Born and raised in Glasgow, Umeed’s love for the sport began at an early age. In 2015, he made his first-class debut in the ICC Intercontinental Cup match against Afghanistan. Prior to this, Umeed had already garnered experience representing Scotland in two U19 World Cups. Despite being named in Scotland’s preliminary squad for the 2015 World Cup, he narrowly missed out on selection for the final squad.
During his teenage years, Umeed caught the attention of Durham, but ultimately decided to join Warwickshire. One of the factors that influenced his decision was the presence of former Scotland all-rounder Dougie Brown within the team. Umeed became a part of Warwickshire’s academy and played for the county from U17 level onwards. To further develop his skills, he spent a couple of winters at the renowned Saeed Ajmal’s academy in Faisalabad, Pakistan, with the help of his family.
Although Umeed faced a setback when he was released by Warwickshire at the end of 2018, his determination to continue playing the sport he loved led to a remarkable comeback. With support from the South Asian Cricket Academy, Umeed impressed the selectors and earned a contract with Somerset in mid-2022.
Umeed’s batting technique is akin to the traditional methods of the game, and he exudes grace and solidity at the crease. His ability to occupy the crease for long periods of time and wear down opposition bowlers is a testament to his patience and mental strength. While his scoring rate may not always be explosive, Umeed’s ability to anchor an innings and provide a solid foundation for his team is highly valued.
Despite his relatively young age, Umeed has already shown great promise and potential. His consistent performances in domestic cricket and his unwavering dedication to improving his game have marked him as a player to watch closely in the future.
Andrew Umeed’s journey in cricket has been one of perseverance, determination, and a strong passion for the game. His slow century in the County Championship demonstrated his unyielding focus and concentration. As he continues to grow and develop as a player, it will be fascinating to witness how his career unfolds and the heights he can reach in the world of cricket.