Keaton’s Greeting

JO’BURG KID IN RALLYING CRY

CRICKET

KEATON JENNINGS is eyeing a dream series against South Africa this summer – just five years after leaving that country to head to England. The Durham man was a last-minute call-up for the fourth Test during England’s nightmare tour of India this winter, and announced his arrival in stunning fashion. In Mumbai, Johannesburg-born Jennings, 24, became only the 19th England player to score a century on his Test debut – joining the likes of WG Grace, Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott. His 112 was the highest score by any opener on a Test debut against India. He contributed a well-crafted 54 in his fourth and final innings of the winter in Chennai as England’s batting wilted in the face of India’s monstrous first dig total of 759. Despite Haseeb Hameed’s emergence, Jennings could well be the opening partner of choice for Alastair Cook when England’s Test summer finally gets underway against South Africa in July. Former Proteas under-19 captain Jennings would relish the chance to pit himself against a very familiar foe. “Playing international cricket at any venue against any side is special but I suppose to do it at home against the place you grew up would be phenomenal,” Jennings said. “It has been a brilliant winter. Things couldn’t have gone any better. “There’s three-and-a-half months of domestic cricket to be played before any selection takes place, so I’ve got to put runs on the board. “There’s a lot of competition for that opener’s slot, but competition is healthy, it keeps everyone fresh. “No one can take their place for granted.”