New Delhi: Keaton Jennings made a dream start to his Test career by compiling a fine century on debut after coming in as a mid-series replacement opener for England. The 24-year-old smashes 112 runs to land England in a comfortable position on day 1 in the fourth Test in Mumbai.
Here are some interesting facts about the England Prodigy :
Keaton Jennings displayed great character en-route to his first Test hundred. The Durham man becomes England’s 19th player to smash a hundred on debut.
The Johannesburg born player has tasted success both with bat and ball, and provides option to England skipper Alastair Cook. A medium pacer and ability to fire quick runs, Jennings smashed two double tons and scored 1548 runs with an average of 64 in 2016 in first class cricket.
Jennings is deeply connected with cricket, Jennings father played first class cricket in South Africa before taking up the coaching job of South African national side in 2004. Ray Jennings was also a part of Indian Premier League Franchisee Royal Challengers Bangalore’s coaching staff.
The left hand batsman led South Africa in the U-19 World Cup in 2011 before making a switch to England. The 24-year-old cricketer decided to move to England at the age of 20 but it was South African cricketer Albie Morkel who recommended Keaton Jennings to the county side – Durham.
England’s latest recruit replaced Haseeb Hameed, who was ruled out of the series due to finger injury. Jennings had to wait for 4 years to being eligible to be picked for the national side.
Keaton Jennings partnered England skipper Alastair Cook at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai and it was England’s 11th opening pair since Andrew Strauss’ retirement in 2011.