Published: Dec 08, 2016, 01:58 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 08, 2016, 01:58 PM (IST)
Keaton Jennings became the third England cricketer to score a Test century on debut against India, and 19th overall, during the first day’s play in the fourth Test at Mumbai on Thursday. Alastair Cook in 2006 and Bryan Valentine in 1933 were the first two cricketers to have slammed tons on debut vs India. England produced a strong performance with the bat, thanks to Jennings who batted with a balance of caution and aggression to reach the triple figures in Test cricket in his very first innings itself. Jennings was included in the England side after an injury to Haseeb Hameed, and he used the opportunity to his advantage. The left-handed batsman had earlier scored a century for England Lions playing in UAE following his selection, signaling his rich form coming into this series.
The son of former South Africa and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) coach Ray Jennings, the 24-year-old Keaton has been in rich form. He was the leading run-scorer in the last County season, scoring 1,548 runs with an average of more than 64. He was thus awarded the County Championship Player of the Year award. An opening batsman for Durham, Jennings made his First-Class debut in South Africa in 2011 but pledged alliances with the English County side for the next four years in a bid to play Test cricket for England. His rich form and the injury to Hameed fast-tracked his progress to the national side.
Live Cricket Scorecard: India vs England 4th Test at Mumbai
Meanwhile, England were 192 for 2 after overs. Jennings was batting on 101 not out 188 off balls, while Moeen Ali, who came in to bat at No. 4, did well to reach 23 not out.
