STEVEN Croft has christened Haseeb Hameed the Great Wall of Bolton.

Lancashire's official vice captain and stand-in skipper took to Twitter to hail the teenager's contribution to their LV= County Championship draw against Surrey at Emirates Old Trafford on Thursday.

Hameed, aged 18, hit a determined 91 as the Red Rose batted out the final day to keep their hopes of winning Division Two alive, with Ashley Giles comparing his approach to batting to that of Jonathan Trott.

Lancashire go into Tuesday's final match against Essex at Chelmsford needing nine more points than leaders Surrey pick up against Northamptonshire at the Oval.

That basically means they need to win and hope for a Northants' favour.

Right-handed Hameed has only played three Championship matches so far in his career, but the opener is fast gaining a reputation as one to rely upon in a crisis.

He laid a platform for a final day survival bid with 44 during their recent draw at Kent before his 234-ball second innings against Surrey included 195 dot balls.

“We wanted to make sure we took it into the last game of the season,” said former Bolton League star Hameed of the title race.

“We all had a responsibility as batters to make sure that we did that, and for me it was just about sticking to my game plan.

“I wanted to leave well early doors and face as many deliveries as possible.

“Surrey will be in Division One as well next year, so it gave me a taste of what it will be like facing high quality bowlers. I can take a lot of confidence from this.

“I know Division One will be another challenge, but I’m sure we’ll be working hard over the winter to make sure that we’re all ready for it.”

Lancashire cricket director and head coach Giles said: “Almost the tougher the situation, Has rises to it. He doesn’t give things away. The only player I’ve seen that sort mindset in to that degree is Jonathan Trott. And he had a good career.”

Giles admits he has been disappointed with Lancashire’s last two performances, but has urged them to finish strongly at Essex.

“I thought Surrey outplayed us through the match, and that’s disappointing,” he added.

“We’ve been promoted, we’ve won the T20 because we’re a good side. If we go to Essex and let ourselves down again, it will be a disappointing way to end a season where we’ve worked incredibly hard.”