Keaton Jennings will replace Haseeb Hameed in the England Test squad after the former’s Test tour came to a halt due to a broken finger.
With Hameed flying of back home, the 24-year-old Jennings will look to make a seamless transition. Jennings has been in rip-roaring form in England’s domestic season this year and will be the centre of attention once he touches base with the rest of the England squad ahead of the fourth Test in Mumbai.
He rose to prominence during the summer with 1,548 runs and seven centuries – including doubles against Yorkshire and Surrey – in Division One of the County Championship.
A Johannesburg-born left-hander, Jennings has previously captained South Africa Under 19s. He qualified for England following a four-year residency period.
His mother is from Sunderland, while his father is the former South Africa and Royal Challengers Bangalore coach Ray Jennings.
He holds the record for being the highest scorer for Durham in a County Championship. His heroics through the season helped him edge out Kent’s Sam Billings, who has already played 13 limited-overs internationals among other hopefuls.
Haseeb Hameed got his international career off to a solid start during his side’s tour of India.
It is not just the runs but the manner in which he has scored them that has impressed everyone.
After suffering a broken finger in Mohali, the 19-year-old showed great gumption as he scored an unbeaten 59 from No. 8 on the fourth and final afternoon of the third Test.
The effort could not prevent England from slipping to an eight-wicket defeat by India, but earned Hameed plenty of respect from all quarters, including India skipper Virat Kohli.
It will be interesting to see how Jennings handles the pressure. England have also brought in Liam Dawson as replacement for Zafar Ansari, who has also been laid low through injury.
England are looking for a reversal in fortunes and need to win both the remaining games, if they hope to level the series. They will be hoping their latest additions come come good.