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Keaton Jennings to make his England debut in Mumbai Test

by Manuj Sharma Wednesday 7 December 2016

Keaton Jennings in action for Durham

©REUTERS MEDIA EXPRESS

Durham opening batsman Keaton Jennings is all set to play his first game for England in the upcoming fourth Test against India at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The news was confirmed by England skipper Alastair Cook in a press conference on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old will partner Cook at the top of the order and will be the 11th player to do so ever since the retirement of former England captain Andrew Strauss.

"He is going to play. He is going to open the batting - another great opportunity for a guy," said Cook.

"He's in good touch, has spent some time in the middle for the Lions - making a hundred - and it is a very special day for him tomorrow."

Jennings is fresh from an unbeaten century for England Lions in the first-class game against United Arab Emirates in Dubai and recently had scores of unbeaten 201 and 171 for Durham in the county matches against Surrey and Nottinghamshire.

Earlier, England added Jennings and Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson as replacements for injured pair Haseeb Hameed and Zafar Ansari respectively.

Pace bowler Stuart Broad continues to be a doubtful starter for the Mumbai Test as he is recovering from a foot injury with Cook describing his chances of playing in the game as "50-50".