Keaton Jennings, Durham opener, has been called up to England’s squad in place of Haseeb Hameed for the remaining two Tests against India at Mumbai and Chennai. Liam Dawson, who made his ODI and T20I debut earlier this year, has been named as Zafar Ansari’s replacement.
Keaton, son of Ray Jennings – former South Africa and Royal Challengers Bangalore coach – was named the 2016 County Championship player of the year, an award given by prestigious cricket writers’ club. He had a stellar season with 1548 runs under his belt at an awe-inspiring average of 64.50, including a double-ton against Yorkshire. Keaton, who is also ex-South Africa U-19 captain, is expected to open alongside Alastair Cook in Mumbai after a hand injury forced Hameed out of the series.
Haseeb Hameed, who made his Test debut at Rajkot, scored 219 runs in three Tests with two fifties, before a rising delivery from Umesh Yadav hit him badly on the little finger of his left hand. The opener will head home to have a surgery on the same.
On the other hand, Dawson, alongside Keaton, is expected to join the England squad early next week. Ansari, who suffered a back injury in the second Test at Vizag, will stay with the team for some more days to receive medical treatment in India. Last year also, Ansari – after being picked for the Pakistan series in the UAE – suffered a broken thumb and was ruled out of the tour.
Alastair Cook-led England are currently facing a lot of injury issues. As of now, there is no update on Stuart Broad, who missed the Mohali Test due to a foot injury. Meanwhile, Chris Woakes, who sustained a tiny crack on thumb, is a doubtful starter for the Mumbai Test.
Virat Kohli’s men are currently 2-0 up in the series. The fourth Test begins from December 8 at the historic Wankhede stadium.
