Keaton Jennings is ready for sledges from his former teammates when England play SA

Keaton Jennings, former South Africa U19 captain moved to England in 2011 and after impressive domestic performances, earned a place in the England team for the fourth Test against India in Mohali last year when Haseeb Hameed was injured. He made a century on debut and earn plaudits from everyone. He now bats at the top with Alastair Cook. However, with England playing South Africa, which was the team Jennings represented in the past, he is bracing himself for some mental disintegration in the form of sledging.

He said that the opponents will abuse him in Afrikaans, which he doesn’t understand, but is all prepared for it. He also added that to be playing against South Africa, at the Mecca of Cricket, Lord’s, will be very special for him. In fact, the young batsman has been hailed so much by the veterans and the like that they say he can lead the side once Joe Root decides to put down the curtains.

Speaking to The Sun, Jennings said, “I’m sure there will be a bit of abuse flying around. I suppose that’s expected because of where I’ve grown up. But I’ll love the challenge of being in that cooker getting abused. I’m sure it will be in Afrikaans, which I probably won’t understand but it will be really special to play South Africa, especially at Lord’s.’

Attended school with Quinton de Kock 

He also spoke about his association with Quinton de Kock, besides whom he played and also attended the same school. Jennings said that they have not interacted much since he came to England, but is bracing himself to some chirping from behind the stumps.

“Quinton was a sensational player ever since I was 13. He was very driven, very clinical in the way he went about trying to achieve success in cricket. He hit the ball cleaner than most other guys,” Jennings told ESPNCricinfo. It’ll be good to see him again and play against him, bringing up old-school chirps that he used to throw at me – and I will throw a couple at him, which will be good fun,” he said.