UAE captain Amjad Javed says his players will be more motivated to claim Keaton Jennings’ wicket before he flies to India for their Test series after being impressed with the English youngster.
Opener Jennings celebrated his call-up to the senior team in style on Thursday with an unbeaten 101 off 105 deliveries as England A comfortably beat the UAE by eight wickets in Dubai.
The 24-year-old will have another chance to prove he’s capable of partnering Alastair Cook when the teams meet again today for the second 50-over match, before joining Trevor Bayliss’ men in Mumbai for the fourth Test next week.
Given it will be his final game at the Dubai International Stadium, all-rounder Javed insists his players will do all they can to ensure he doesn’t score big.
“He’s a very good player and he has certainly had a strong domestic season, scoring seven centuries,” said the 36-year-old.
“He’s very strong and once he settles in, he can play his shots. Now he’s been called up to the England Test series, he’s got a chance to improve.
“For the UAE, it’s good for us that we are playing against a batsman of his calibre who is going to India to play for England. This can only motivate us as players to get him out.”
During his time on the field, Javed got a first-hand look of his opposite number Jennings, who led by example as the tourists chased the UAE’s 175 with 16 overs to spare.
Want to thank everyone for the support and kind words over the past few days!! It's been an incredible and unforgettable few days!!! pic.twitter.com/Zuas3cnXEt
— Keaton Jennings (@JetJennings) December 2, 2016
“I think the best thing about him is that he was relaxed,” he said of Jennings, who has replaced the injured Haseeb Hameed. “He didn’t go for the shots too early and played shots that were only in his area. He didn’t make any rash decisions and was good facing the spinners.”
It isn’t a surprise that the veteran feels Jennings is the prized wicket if the UAE want to pull off a victory.
“He scored a century in his last game and that will be a good confidence booster for him,” he said.
“For sure, getting him out early is crucial. If he settles in, then it’s quite difficult to get him out.”
Whether or not the Englishman is dismissed, Javed has told his batsman to be more responsible at the crease. Rohan Mustafa and Ghulam Shabeer top-scored with 33 as the hosts were all out for 175 in 45 overs and Javed insists another poor display is unacceptable.
“The batsmen really need to be more confident and play freely,” he said. “When they’re out there, they have to realise why they are there and take more responsibility. We can’t keep scoring 150 or 170 odd runs to defend.”
