Jennings set for special day in Mumbai

– Batsman Keaton Jennings (left) will make his Test debut against India today, becoming the latest South Africa-born cricketer to pull on an England jersey, captain Alastair Cook announced.

“Yeah he is going to play. He’s going to open the batting. It will be a very special day for him tomorrow,” Cook said yesterday before the start of the fourth Test.

Jennings, who was born in Johannesburg and captained the Proteas Under-19s, was a late callup for England’s two remaining must-win matches after opener Haseeb Hameed injured his hand during the third Test.

Cook said he was impressed by what he had seen of Jennings since the tall left-hander joined up with the squad in Dubai a few days ago.

“I’d never met him properly. He seems a really good guy.

“He’s got a great head on his shoulders and mentally I think he’s a very strong player so I wish him all the best,” said Cook yesterday.

Cook said 19-year-old Hameed’s injury was disappointing considering his impressive displays during the tour but urged Jennings, who plays domestic cricket for Durham, to grab his opportunity with both hands.

England trail 2-0 in the fivematch series and anything less than a victory would see India seal the Test series. – AFP