I was born in Clonakilty Co.Cork a small town in West Cork Population 4,154.
I always enjoyed Cricket and have represented Ireland at U'19's despite being only 16. Unfortunately if i ever play International cricket it will be for Australia after the ICB sadly closed and the Irish Cricket Team went with it.
After my appearances for Ireland i was scouted by Essex i refused to join unless given a First Team Squad status. They agreed.
Signing for Essex was the single greatest moment of my life.
This is going to be a Diary of sorts tracking my Career through Essex and Hopefully Australia.
1st Day of Nets.
Going into the nets was daunting. The day before i had signed my first Sponsorship by signing with local Brand Warsop. I recieved 3 Bats, 2 Sets of Pads, 3 Sets of Gloves, 3 Helmets and 2 Boxes.
I walked over to the nets where only Ronnie Irani was waiting.
"Hey this is for Players only mate."
"I am im Connor Jennings this is my first day."
"You sure you should not be in the Academy?"
"No i signed for the 1st's"
"How old are you?"
"16"
Ronnie looked shocked the fact a 16 year old was training with the firsts seemed to shock him.
"What do you do?"
"Right Hand Opening Bat and Right Hand Fast Opening Bowler"
"What a All-Round Opener?"
"Yeah"
"Fine get your pads on your batting first."
I was shocked now i was having to bat against a Fresh Darren Gough and Andy Bichel two of the most experienced Fast Bowlers around.
After padding up Andy bowled the first ball.
It was a Bouncer at around 90 MPH i just got out of the way.
After that i took a few balls to get my eye in.
Then i went for one.
I Middle it off Darren Gough's bowling straight back over his head for what would of been Six. Lets put it this way Gough's language certainly was not suitable for before watershed programs. I finished off with a Cover drive. A excellent Net session where i did not get out. Straight after i got out of the Nets i saw Ronnie walk off with the Selectors. After this i had a bowl and took 2 wickets taking Cook's and Bopara's wicket.
I left the ground that night to lots of praise and just as i got in the Car Ronnie came up to me.
"Tomorrow i want you here at 6.30Am Bring your gear."
"Why?"
"Your Opening with Cooky against Northants"
Stunned i just looked at Ronnie and said
"Ok Cheers"
And Drove off
I got at the ground at 6.30 AM to be greeted by Ronnie.
"3 hours 30 minutes till the big day son."
"Yeah"
The Team was Announced
1.A.Cook
2.Jennings
3.A.Flower
4.R.Bopara
5.R.Irani
6.G.Flower
7.J.Foster
8.R.Ten Doeschate
9.D.Gough
10.A.Bichel
11.J.Middlebrook
I was opening the bowling as well with Andy.
This was amazing.
Ronnie won the toss and Chose to bat.
After a few words of encouragement from the Lads i went out with Cooky.
Cook's word were
"Play yourself in and dont be nervous, you have the talent now prove it."
I took my position at the non strikers end.
And Cook was ready for the first ball from Phillips.
Phillips realesed the ball and........
I always enjoyed Cricket and have represented Ireland at U'19's despite being only 16. Unfortunately if i ever play International cricket it will be for Australia after the ICB sadly closed and the Irish Cricket Team went with it.
After my appearances for Ireland i was scouted by Essex i refused to join unless given a First Team Squad status. They agreed.
Signing for Essex was the single greatest moment of my life.
This is going to be a Diary of sorts tracking my Career through Essex and Hopefully Australia.
1st Day of Nets.
Going into the nets was daunting. The day before i had signed my first Sponsorship by signing with local Brand Warsop. I recieved 3 Bats, 2 Sets of Pads, 3 Sets of Gloves, 3 Helmets and 2 Boxes.
I walked over to the nets where only Ronnie Irani was waiting.
"Hey this is for Players only mate."
"I am im Connor Jennings this is my first day."
"You sure you should not be in the Academy?"
"No i signed for the 1st's"
"How old are you?"
"16"
Ronnie looked shocked the fact a 16 year old was training with the firsts seemed to shock him.
"What do you do?"
"Right Hand Opening Bat and Right Hand Fast Opening Bowler"
"What a All-Round Opener?"
"Yeah"
"Fine get your pads on your batting first."
I was shocked now i was having to bat against a Fresh Darren Gough and Andy Bichel two of the most experienced Fast Bowlers around.
After padding up Andy bowled the first ball.
It was a Bouncer at around 90 MPH i just got out of the way.
After that i took a few balls to get my eye in.
Then i went for one.
I Middle it off Darren Gough's bowling straight back over his head for what would of been Six. Lets put it this way Gough's language certainly was not suitable for before watershed programs. I finished off with a Cover drive. A excellent Net session where i did not get out. Straight after i got out of the Nets i saw Ronnie walk off with the Selectors. After this i had a bowl and took 2 wickets taking Cook's and Bopara's wicket.
I left the ground that night to lots of praise and just as i got in the Car Ronnie came up to me.
"Tomorrow i want you here at 6.30Am Bring your gear."
"Why?"
"Your Opening with Cooky against Northants"
Stunned i just looked at Ronnie and said
"Ok Cheers"
And Drove off
I got at the ground at 6.30 AM to be greeted by Ronnie.
"3 hours 30 minutes till the big day son."
"Yeah"
The Team was Announced
1.A.Cook
2.Jennings
3.A.Flower
4.R.Bopara
5.R.Irani
6.G.Flower
7.J.Foster
8.R.Ten Doeschate
9.D.Gough
10.A.Bichel
11.J.Middlebrook
I was opening the bowling as well with Andy.
This was amazing.
Ronnie won the toss and Chose to bat.
After a few words of encouragement from the Lads i went out with Cooky.
Cook's word were
"Play yourself in and dont be nervous, you have the talent now prove it."
I took my position at the non strikers end.
And Cook was ready for the first ball from Phillips.
Phillips realesed the ball and........
