Ben Stokes backs England opener Keaton Jennings to return to form

Ben Stokes has backed England opener Keaton Jennings to return to form following a disappointing Test series against South Africa.

Jennings, 25, averaged 15.87 against South Africa, producing a top-score of just 48 as England claimed a 3-1 win, and has been left out of the squad to face West Indies, with Mark Stoneman selected in his place.

The left-hander scored 112 on his Test debut in India last December but has failed to replicate such an innings in 11 outings.

However, Stokes - who scored his fifth century in the third Test against South Africa - is confident Jennings can return to the level that earned him his call-up last year.

"He hasn't had the best of series'; he would have known that and be disappointed," Stokes told Sky Sports News.

"From the amount of runs he has got over the last two seasons playing for Durham, and getting 100 in his first England innings, he knows that he can do it."

England head coach Trevor Bayliss claims Jennings remains part of his long-term plans for The Ashes against Australia in the winter and Stokes feels Jennings has the talent to ensure he is involved.

"Unfortunately he's going through a little bit of lack of form like every player does," added Stokes.

"He's the type of player who'll be able to bounce back from that. No doubt he'll be away working as hard as anyone will be to try and get that form back.