Joe Root to use own experience in India to help Keaton Jennings
Thursday 1 December 2016 12:57, UK
Joe Root says he will use his experience of making his Test debut in India to help Keaton Jennings when he joins up with the England squad next week.
Haseeb Hameed's mid-tour departure with a badly-broken left hand has left Jennings in line to become captain Alastair Cook's 11th opening partner since the retirement of Andrew Strauss four years ago.
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The Durham left-hander, set to join the squad alongside fellow replacement Liam Dawson - who will fill the vacancy left by injured spinner Zafar Ansari - is the most obvious contender to open the batting in the fourth Test in Mumbai.
And Root, whose own first Test was in Nagpur in 2012, says Jennings must work to harness his nerves into a sense of enjoyment and excitement.
"More than anything, you are naturally going to be quite nervous, so I'll try not to say all that stuff about not being nervous and trying to relax," said Root.
"Just enjoy it. You've got an opportunity to play for England in Test cricket - try to soak up the whole occasion and make the most of it.
"Try not to get too caught up in things that could happen, and just enjoy being in that moment and putting on the cap and the shirt.
"Just be proud of that achievement, and see where it takes you.
"I think he's deserved his opportunity, and I hope if he does play he takes his chance - and proves that he can put those performances in county cricket into Test cricket.
"I've seen him play a little bit, more in white-ball cricket. But he's got a very solid technique, looks very organised and obviously knows what he's doing."
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