“I think he’s deserved his opportunity”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England batsman Joe Root has vowed to use his own experience of making his Test debut in India to help uncapped opener Keaton Jennings.

Jennings, who plays for Durham in the County Championship, earned his maiden call-up to the Test team with Liam Dawson, who has also yet to make his Test debut, after fellow opener Haseeb Hameed was ruled out for the remainder of the ongoing series against India as he will be returning home to undergo surgery on his left hand.

Root made his Test debut against India in Nagpur in 2012 and has advised Jennings to maintain a cool and calm composure should he given the opportunity to play his first game for England in the fourth Test in Mumbai on December 8.

“More than anything, you are naturally going to be quite nervous, so I’ll try not to say all that stuff about not being nervous and trying to relax,” Root said. “Just enjoy it. You’ve got an opportunity to play for England in Test cricket – try to soak up the whole occasion and make the most of it.

“Try not to get too caught up in things that could happen, and just enjoy being in that moment and putting on the cap and the shirt. Just be proud of that achievement, and see where it takes you.”

Rooot also admitted that Jennings deserved his call-up as the 24-year-old topped the run-scoring charts for all players in the County Championship this year. The Johannesburg-born opener made 1,602 runs at an impressive average of 64.08.

“I think he’s deserved his opportunity, and I hope if he does play he takes his chance – and proves that he can put those performances in county cricket into Test cricket,” Root added. “I’ve seen him play a little bit, more in white-ball cricket. But he’s got a very solid technique, looks very organised and obviously knows what he’s doing.”