Keaton Jennings says they are 2-0 down and against a tough opposition so he hopes to throw a few jabs and a few hand-makers back.
Mumbai: Uncapped England batsman Keaton Jennings has insisted that his side, which is currently trailing 0-2 in the five-match series against India, will try to throw a few jabs, hand-makers and some punches back to the Virat Kohli-led side in the remaining Tests.
Addressing the media after the first training session ahead of Thursday's match here at the Wankhede Stadium, Jennings, who plays for Durham County Cricket Club in South Africa, said, "I think there is pressure. Pressure is a privilege. That is one of the things my dad has been trying to train me as a kid. I would like to bring some positive energy and little bit of smile to the group. I am generally quite a happy guy. But, again its 2-0 down and against a tough opposition. So, hopefully we can throw a few jabs and a few hand-makers and throw some punches back."
When asked as to how to tackle the Indian spinners, the 24-year-old said, "There is no better place than to challenge yourself in turning conditions than here."
"So, if I can play and come out of success; that would be humbling. If I don't play then I'll carry drinks and add energy wherever I can. But regardless of what happens in the next few days, I am really looking forward to get involved and getting stuck in right now," he added.
Keaton, son of former South Indian cricketer Ray Jennings, also spoke about the piece of advice which his father gave to him ahead of Test matches against the World No. 1, that too in their den.
"We (me and my father) share a very good relation. We chatted quite a lot over the last week and a half. One of his big tips was drink lots of water and make sure you close the bottles. Those were one of his bigger dreams," he said.
"From playing point of view, he just told me to enjoy the process and the culture of India. In 2012, I came here with my dad during the IPL. I was bit of a tourist and I really enjoyed it," he added.
Apart from Jennings, uncapped Liam Dawson, who plays for Hampshire, has also been included in the squad for the remaining two Tests.
Jennings will replace 19-year-old opener Haseeb Hameed, whose tour ended with a broken finger in Mohali Test.
Dawson, on the other hand, has been called in place of his fellow left-armer Zafar Ansari, who is still recovering with the back injury he sustained in the second Test in Visakhapatnam.
Having drawn the first Test in Rajkot, the Alastair Cook-led side suffered crushing defeats in Visakhapatnam and Mohali. Therefore, it would be a herculean task for the visitors to stage a comeback against India, which is looking dominant enough to clinch the series with both their batters and bowlers performing exceedingly well.
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