Durham looks to Jennings as captain

ENGLAND opening batsman Keaton Jennings has been named as Durham’s captain in the domestic 50-over One-Day Cup for the 2017 season, the northeast county said Monday.

The 24-year-old, who made a century on his Test debut against India late last year, led the team in the absence of the injured Paul Collingwood last season but has now taken on the role on a permanent basis.

Former England allrounder Collingwood will continue to lead Durham in the County Championship.

“It’s one of those dreams as a young boy, you want to lead your side so it’s an honour to lead Durham this year,” said Jennings in a statement.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it. The two signings we have made, Lathers [Tom Latham] and Cooky [Stephen Cook] are brilliant for the squad and the guys as well,” added the South Africa-born batsman.

“The couple of games I did last year were really good fun and it was a privilege and honour to do it.

“There is a real sense of positivity around at the minute. Hopefully we can push forward and see how far we can go.”

Jennings, in what could be a move to earmark him as a future captain of the senior England side, will lead the second-string England Lions on their forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka and skipper the North side in the inaugural North v South series in the UAE prior to the start of the county season. — AFP