I FEEL VERY ENGLISH, SAYS JENNINGS BEFORE DEBUT

BATSMAN Keaton Jennings was born and bred in South Africa, but insisted yesterday before his expected England debut that he feels “very English”.

The 24-year-old opener is tipped to make his international bow for his adopted country in England’s do-or-die fourth Test against India, which starts at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai tomorrow.

The tall left-hander was a late call-up for England’s two remaining must-win matches after Haseeb Hameed injured his hand during the third Test and was ruled out of the rest of the series.

Jennings said joining up with his new teammates had been “surreal”, but that he would relish the opportunity to open the batting with captain Alastair Cook.

“At the moment I’m feeling very

future to England,” says Ray.

One of England’s opponents at home next summer are South Africa. If the unthinkable comes to pass, Keaton might play against Stephen Cook, who was 10 years ahead of him at the illustrious King Edward VII school.

Cook and his dad, Jimmy, are the most recent example comfortable and very English, despite my accent,” he joked.

Jennings, whose mother is English, was born in Johannesburg and went on to captain South Africa at under-19 level.

But after leaving school he moved to England in 2011, committing himself to four years there so he could become eligible to play for the national side.

“The opportunity, the professionalism, I don’t know if I can put my exact finger on it but there was a combination of feeling really welcome, feeling loved, feeling pushed as well,” he said of his decision to make himself available for England instead of South Africa.

His impressive scoring for Durham captured the attention of England’s selectors and Jennings,

of a father and son turning out for their country, but there are many more for South Africa, ranging from Peter and Shaun Pollock to Kevin and Neil McKenzie.

Watching Stephen’s busy mannerisms, it is impossible not to see his dad, particularly as he runs between wickets and twists his pad so it protects who owns a house in the north-east English town, says he feels very much settled in his new life.

“I suppose the more time you spend in the country the more you feel local. I’m blessed that they’ve welcomed me with open arms,” he said.

England trail 2-0 in the fivematch series and anything less than a victory would see India seal the deal. Jennings, however, welcomes the pressure.

“I have always been taught that pressure is a privilege. It’s the sort of a thing my dad tried to infuse into me as a kid,” said Jennings, whose father Ray played for South Africa.

“I like to think that I bring positive energy and a smile to the group. Hopefully we can throw a few jibes and throw some punches back,” he added. – SuperSport

his knee more squarely.

Parallels between Keaton and Ray Jennings will be more difficult to spot, more opaque.

The gutsiness will be there, however, and the neatness and the penchant for hard work. Wicketkeeping gloves, though, will be absent, with that link in the chain having been broken. – cricinfo