Root advises Jennings to pile up the runs

Cricket365
August 11, 2017

England Test skipper Joe Root says that Keaton Jennings can force his way back into the XI with a mountain of County Championship runs.

Jennings was dropped from the England squad to face the West Indies in a day/night Test at Edgbaston later this month.

Surrey opener Mark Stoneman will debut in Jennings place while new boys Tom Westley and Dawid Malan get another chance to impress.

Root told Sky Sports: “It’s pretty obvious what Keaton needs to do.

“Go get a volume of runs, go back to the County Championship and show everyone what a great player he is. I have no doubt that he will be able to do that.

“He’s a great character and was a big part of our dressing room to beat South Africa.”

Jennings loss is Stoneman’s game and Root feels that competition for places will help England find their best XI.

The skipper added: “He’s scored a volume of runs this summer and in previous seasons.

“It was difficult to leave Keaton out, he would’ve loved to have scored more runs personally but this is a great opportunity for Mark to stamp his authority on Test cricket.”

England raised eyebrows by picking untested leg-spinner Mason Crane, who averages over 40 with the ball in first class cricket.

The young man is clearly being picked on his potential but will certainly take heart from other leg-spinner’s debut performances against the West Indies.

Root said of Crane: “He’s a very exciting prospect for us.

“It’s important not to put too much pressure on his young shoulders.

“But of course this is a great opportunity for him ahead of the winter which could be a big one for many guys.”