Ray Jennings credits Virat Kohli for his son's ability to counter spin during Mumbai Test
On the opening day of the Mumbai Test, one of the standout performers from either side was Keaton Jennings, who registered a century on Test debut to join an elite list. It was an almost nerveless performance from the Durham left-hander and the manner in which he negotiated both pace and spin impressed one-and-all.
Revealing the reason behind the left-hander’s impressive showing against the slow bowlers, Jennings’s father, the former South Africa wicket -keeper and Royal Challengers Bangalore coach Ray Jennings said that his son learnt the nuances of playing spin from present Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli.
"I've worked with and watched Virat Kohli over the years. He is the best player of spin in the world. And when you have to play spin in India there is a lot to learn from the way he plays, so we fed off that knowledge.
"Keaton has been to India twice earlier during the IPL with me, so he's experienced India earlier. Over the years, I have learnt a lot about Indian grounds, players and conditions and know them pretty well. So I shared my Indian experiences with him. I told him what I knew, but it was up to him to execute it. I told him to enjoy the opportunity, pressures and privileges, “ Jennings senior told the Times of India.
The 62-year-old expressed pride over his son’s performance, stating that he wished he had been there in person in Mumbai to watch him play, but instead chose to allow him to enjoy his maiden international game and not put undue pressure on him.
"I'm proud that Keaton has done so well on debut. Considering he has debuted and done well in a country where I've spent a lot of time is special. I would have loved to watch him live in action. But given my connection with India, there would have been a lot of focus, so I thought it was important for me to leave him by himself and allow him to enjoy the opportunity that he had gained rather than worry about the people around him," he said.
Jennings will hope that come the second innings, he can score a few more runs at the top and provide the platform for his side, just like he did in the first innings.