Jennings hopes England can 'throw some punches back' in Mumbai Test

Jennings, son of well-known coach Ray Jennings has been brought in as replacement for the injured Haseem Hameed, who is out of the remainder of the series with a finger fracture.

Uncapped opener Keaton Jennings conceded that England is under pressure after being 0-2 down in the five-Test series against India but said he is hopeful that his side will bounce back in the fourth Test starting at the Wankhede in Mumbai on Thursday.

"It's pressure, but I have always been taught that pressure is a privilege, sort of a thing my dad tried to infuse into me as a kid. I like to think that I bring positive energy and a smile to the group. I am generally quite a happy guy. But again, it's 2-0 down and gets into a tougher position. So, hopefully we can throw a few jibes and throw some punches back," said Jennings here ahead of the must-win game for England.

Jennings, son of well-known coach Ray Jennings, is South Africa-born and has qualified to play for his adopted country following a four-year residence in England. He was brought in as replacement for teenage opener Haseem Hameed, who is out of the remainder of the series with a finger fracture.

England are trailing India 0-2 after losing the second and third Tests in Visakhapatnam and Mohali respectively. The first Test was drawn at Rajkot.

Asked how he would cope with the spin threat posed by India's attack, Jennings said: "I leave that to you to answer in a couple of days of play. There is no better place to come and challenge yourself. If I can play and come out with some sort of success, that would be humbling," the left-handed batsman said.

"If I don't play then I will carry drinks, but I am looking forward to getting involved."

Having coached the Royal Challengers Banglore in the Indian Premier League, Jennings senior has good experience of the Indian conditions and he has given his son some tips ahead of the series.

"I have got quite a good relationship with my dad (Ray Jennings), from the playing point of view, my dad asked me to enjoy the process and culture of India. I have been told to drink lot of water and to ensure that the bottle is closed," Jennings said.

"Previously, in 2009-10, I came with my dad to the IPL, (more so) as a tourist, really enjoyed and I am coming back to the place which I loved," he told reporters after the team's practice session at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

Image: England's Keaton Jennings

Photograph: Ian Horrocks/Getty Images