Jennings makes opening gambit with Lancashire
IF Lancashire fans were in any doubt as to how driven and competitive new signing Keaton Jennings is, they only have to ask his five-year-old nephew.
“There is no one around who can put more pressure on myself than me. I am a very driven person. Even if I am playing golf with my fiveyear-old nephew, I want to beat him and I will let him know that,” said the former Durham batsman as he arrived at Emirates Old Trafford yesterday for his first day as a Red Rose player.
“My nephew is actually very good! I have been lucky to grow up in an environment which is very competitive. The frustration on my nephew’s face when he doesn’t get the shot right, I feel it myself because I know how he feels.
“I am a very driven guy, I am a very energetic guy, so I will be throwing my whole lot in to make this move to Lancashire a success.”
Jennings, who has signed a fouryear deal at Lancashire having been chased by several other counties, will have to show that drive and determination right from the off as he battles to secure his preferred spot in the Red Rose batting order next season. With Alex Davies having impressed as opener, and Haseeb Hameed seen by all as a future England No.1 despite his problems this season, 25-year-old Jennings hasn’t yet spoken to head coach Glen Chapple over where he fits into the County Championship side. Number three is an option, with Liam Livingstone coming in at four. But Jennings certainly knows where he wants to bat. He told M.E.N. Sport : “From being five I have always opened the batting, I enjoy the challenge, the way it messes with your head at times! That’s my preference. “But it’s a team game and it’s what is best needed for the team. You want to win trophies together. “It’s to be decided yet.” Livingstone, Davies and Jennings are all in the England Lions squad going to Australia this winter, and they will be joined by Hameed in the New Year in the West Indies as he recovers from a broken finger. And it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that all four could be in the Test team come next winter. “It is an impressive top four here,” said Jennings. “Hopefully we can grow as four young guys. “I am the oldest at 25! If Paul Collingwood is anything to go by I have another 16 or so years left.
“Between the four of us, hopefully we can grow together and really push this changing room to new heights.”
Asked if he and Hameed could be the England opening partnership in the future, Jennings said: “I’d like to think so. I have loved working with Haseeb over the winter. Hopefully we can grow a partnership at the top of the order, with Livi and Davies.
“Who knows, it could be a partnership for the next 17 or 18 years!
“We can grow to create something special at the top of the order.
“You need to score runs for your county to be considered to play for England. So it is all about putting in those match-winning performances for Lancs to get recognised.”
Jennings had several clubs chasing him, but was easily won over by Lancashire. He said: “I was really excited when I walked through the gates this morning as a Lancashire player. I haven’t got the smile off my face yet. It is the right time for me to make the move.
“This is a new environment and challenge. Hopefully, it will kick me on to new heights. Like the majority of decisions in life, you make a choice and hope it all works out.”
It’s an impressive top four here. Hopefully we can grow as four young guys Lancashire new boy Keaton Jennings