THE achievements of two top young Bolton cricketing talents have been recognised at a national Asian cricket awards.

Lancashire stars Haseeb Hameed and Nalisha Patel took two of the top honours at the third Talk Home Mobile Asian Cricket Awards at the Kia Oval, the the home of Surrey County Cricket Club.

Hameed, who has stormed on to the national scene this season with his county and been picked for England to tour Bangladesh this winter, was named the professional young player of the year.

Patel, who plays for Lancashire Women's one-day team and Lancashire Thunder Twenty20 side, was jointly named the woman in cricket.

Both learned their cricketing trade in the Bolton League, Hameed at Farnworth Social Circle and Tonge, and Patel at Horwich.

Both have also come through the junior county age-group programmes run by the Lancashire Cricket Board.

Hameed said: “This is the second time I’ve won the award; I got confidence from winning last year and it’s a very nice feeling.

"I’ve got a family who are very supportive, but who make sure I don’t get ahead of myself.

"I have to take everything in my stride and stay balanced.

"At this age it can only be about upbringing, so it’s a credit to my parents. With the recognition comes responsibility; I have to act as a role model, make sure I don’t change as a person and be my own man.

"It’s great to be picked for England. It’s surreal, it moved really quickly. I’d never have dreamed about being picked 12 months ago. Alistair Cook has been in touch to say congratulations, but I’m really looking forward to meeting and working with the team. I have to make sure I don’t change my game, and I have to make sure I do it my way.

“To young cricketers I’d just say don’t set limits, give your all and be open to learning and back yourself. Don’t ever look back.”

Batswoman and off-spinner Nalisha Patel started representing Lancashire at under-11s and in the same year featured for the u13s.

She captained the u17s when Lancashire won the Royal London Under-17s County Cup last year and made her debut for Lancashire Thunder this season.

She said: “I’m honoured to win the award and feel amazing. To young girls, I’d say have the confidence to give it a go. I’ve met so many people, made so many friends, had the opportunity to travel, so I’d say to try it socially even if you don’t want to pursue it professionally.”