Publications
Partners
Cape Town - South African-born batsman Keaton Jennings says he expects sledging from the Proteas when he bats for England in the first Test at Lord's.
The 25-year-old is the son of former Proteas coach and wicketkeeper Ray Jennings, and captained South Africa at Under-19 level before moving to England in 2011.
The left-hander joins the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, Craig Kieswetter, Matt Prior and Andrew Strauss who are South African-born players that have represented England in international cricket.
Players who were born abroad are eligible to play for England after spending four years playing English county cricket, a policy that has attracted controversy in some quarters.
Jennings had a standout debut for England last year, when he scored his maiden century (112) against India in Mumbai.
He has only played in the two Tests in India, but now faces the challenging task of going up against his native country.
"I'm sure there will be a bit of abuse flying around," Jennings told NewsUK.
"I suppose that's expected because of where I've grown up. But I'll love the challenge of being in that cooker getting abused.
"I'm sure it will be in Afrikaans, which I probably won't understand (but) it will be really special to play South Africa, especially at Lord's."
Jennings spoke fondly about facing his former school friend Quinton de Kock.
"It'll be good to see him again and play against him, bringing up old-school chirps that he used to throw at me - and I will throw a couple at him, which will be good fun," said Jennings.
Play starts on Thursday at Lord's at 12:00 SA time.
Teams:
England
Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Gary Ballance, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Liam Dawson, Keaton Jennings, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood
SA
TBA
