Keaton Jennings: All you need to know about England's latest recruit

New Delhi: England opener Haseeb Hameed suffered a finger injury which will keep him out of action for remainder of the series against India. England have called-up Durham’s  Keaton Jennings to replace injured Hameed, who has been in outstanding form for the county team. 

The 24-year-old 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.

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 to replace Haseeb Hameed had to wait for 4 years to being eligible to be picked for the national side.

 Keaton Jennings is all set to be Alastair Cook’s 11th opening partner since Andrew Strauss’ retirement in 2011. Although, it remains to be seen if the Johannesburg born cricketer gets his Test cap with Ben Duckett already in the squad but his form remains a concern.