Keaton is keen to open for Red Rose

NEW Lancashire batsman Keaton Jennings hopes to get a chance to open for the side next season.

Jennings has yet to speak to coach Glen Chapple about where he sees him playing following his arrival from Durham.

He opened for Durham and also partnered Alastair Cook at the top of England’s order in six Tests since scoring a century on debut against India last winter.

And Jennings said: “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.”

In the long-term, Jennings would love to open for England alongside his Lancashire team-mate Haseeb Hameed.

He added: “I have loved working with Haseeb over the winter. Hopefully we can grow a partnership at the top of the order.

“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 matchwinning performances for Lancs to get recognised.

“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.

“The challenge of cricket stays the same. As a batsman, you are facing a ball, trying to hit it the same way.

"But now this is a new environment and challenge.

“I am excited to work with Glen Chapple. I remember facing him as a player and thinking 'this guy can really play' so as a batsman I am looking forward to picking his brain.

“He was a fantastic cricketer and from what I have heard from the lads already, he is great being in charge too.

“I am really looking forward to working with guys like Dane Vilas and Shivnarine Chanderpaul – guys who have achieved a lot in their careers and people I can learn from and add to my game.”