Jennings eager to seize the chance

Keaton Jennings isn’t new to India. Son of former Royal Challengers Bangalore coach Ray Jennings, Keaton has visited India, by his own admission, as a tourist of sorts. The South Africa-born opener, however, is in India now as part of the England side, having replaced debutant opener Haseeb Hamid who flew back home after a finger fracture.

Jennings, who shifted base to England like his more illustrious compatriots Kevin Pietesern and Jonathan Trott to name just two, is in a happy space.

“Growing up, I went to the same South African school as Graeme Smith, Neil McKenzie, King Edward VII,” he said when asked as to how much English he felt. “I finished school and came over to England straightaway in April 2011, and then from there tried to work my way into English cricket. At the moment I’m feeling very comfortable and very English, despite my accent,” said the 24-year-old, who hopes to overcome the spin challenge if he gets a chance.

“I will leave it up to you to answer after a couple of days if I get picked,” he replied when asked about his ability to play spin. “I suppose there is no better place to try and challenge yourself in turning conditions than here and if I can play first of all, and come out with some sort of success that would be humbling. If I don’t play I will carry drinks and bring energy wherever I can. Regardless of what happens over the coming weeks I am really looking forward to getting involved where I can,” he offered.

Jennings junior hopes to benefit from his father’s tips as to how to play in India. “We’ve got a very good relationship, me and my dad,” he said. “We’ve chatted quite a bit the last week and a half. Drink lots of water and make sure it’s closed bottles, so that was one of his bigger tips. From a playing point of view, he told me to enjoy the process and the culture of India. In 2010 or 2009 I came with my dad to the IPL and was a bit of a tourist and really enjoyed it. I’m coming back to a place that I liked previously.”