Hussain: Give Jennings another go
Former captain Nasser Hussain has all but implored England to retain opening batsman Keaton Jennings for the fourth Test against India, which will start in Southampton on Thursday.
Jennings has managed a mere 94 runs from his last five Test innings – and is averaging just 23.16 after 10 matches.
“Keaton is now getting out in exactly the same way as he did in the first stage of his career,” Hussain wrote in a Sky Sports column.
“Personally, I’d give Jennings another go at the Ageas Bowl; five Test matches ago he was good enough to come back in and, being ‘old-school’, I would rather give a player one game too many than one too few.
“If the selectors drop Jennings twice in as many years, he’ll find it very difficult to come back again.”
Batsman James Vince has been recalled, as wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow’s recovery from a finger injury continues.
Vince was dropped after the series against New Zealand earlier this year – and his recall has come as a surprise to some.
Somewhere deep inside James Vince, there is an international Test match batsman,” added Hussain.
“There’s no doubt he’s an eye-catching, fluent player who has done exactly what the selectors have asked of him of late – which is go back to county cricket and score runs.
“He has been very pleasing on the eye in his 13 Tests, too, where he has looked like an international cricketer.”
All-rounder Moeen Ali is in the squad, too, but unlikely to feature in the playing XI despite scoring a double-century and taking an eight-for for Worcestershire in the County Championship this week.
“Like Vince, Moeen has gone away and done everything asked of him. In England, Moeen Ali is a very, very good cricketer and has hardly ever let England done at home,” concluded Hussain.
“He was in the last two squads that were picked and I hope someone doesn’t come in and jump above him in the queue.”
England boast a two-one lead in the five-match series, after wins at Edgbaston and Lord’s – and defeat at Trent Bridge.
Latest
-
News
England Women wrap up 4-1 series victory in New Zealand
Heather Knight top-scored with 35 in England’s chase of 137.
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.