Youngster will carry his father Ray Jennings' tips
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Keaton Jennings is all set to open the batting for England at Wankhede.[/caption]Internet Desk: Uncapped England opener Keaton Jennings on Tuesday said he is confident of handling the Indian spinners in his first appearance for England. "I leave that to you to answer in a couple of days of play. There is no better place to come and challenge yourself. If I can play and come out with some sort of success, that would be humbling," said the young England batsman.
Jennings, son of well-known South African coach Ray Jennings, is born in Johannesburg and has qualified to play for his adopted country following a four-year residence in England. He has replaced teenage opener Haseem Hameed, who is out of the remainder of the series with a finger fracture. On being asked whether England can keep the series alive with a win at Wankhede, Jennings said,"It's pressure but I have always been taught that pressure is a privilege, sort of a thing my dad tried to infuse into me as a kid. I like to think that I bring positive energy and a smile to the group. I am generally quite a happy guy (person). But again, it's 2-0 down and gets into a tougher position. So, hopefully we can throw a few jibes and throw some punches back," said Jennings ahead of the must-win game for England.
Jennings will carry his father’s tips as he walks out into the middle to bat. His father is the coach of Indian Premier League (IPL) side Royal Challengers Bangalore.
"I have got quite a good relationship with my dad (Ray Jennings), from the playing point of view, my dad asked me to enjoy the process and culture of India. I have been told to drink lot of water and to ensure that the bottle is closed," Jennings said.
"Previously, in 2009-10, I came with my dad to the IPL, (more so) as a tourist, really enjoyed and I am coming back to the place which I loved," he told reporters after the team's practice session at the Wankhede stadium.
"When I was 9-10 years old, we (me and my dad) were into the nets, we were kind of training and those where some of the days, when I decided not to listen. First ball I got out, second ball I got out, and he said one more time and you are going out, the third ball , I got out and he put his bag down and walked off," he added.
England is trailing India 0-2 after losing the second and third Tests in Visakhapatnam and Mohali respectively. The first Test was drawn at Rajkot.
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