South Africa’s ODI series against Australia kicks off on September 24 in Durban, followed by the second game on September 27 in Johannesburg and the third on September 30 in Potchefstroom. The injuries to senior fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, both suffering from hamstring issues, have opened the door for Marco Jansen to take on a more significant role in the bowling lineup.
Marco Jansen lacks Rabada’s 258 international appearances or Ngidi’s 159, but with 83 caps across all formats, he is the most experienced seamer after them, and he’s aware it’ll be his responsibility to prove himself.
ESPN quotes Jansen saying, “It feels like I’m going to have to take that leadership role. I have to try and lead from the front. It’s probably going to be my first time taking up such a role, so I’m quite excited for that. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do if put in such a role.”
At 26 years old, Jansen has appeared in 83 international matches across all formats: 32 ODIs, 30 T20Is, and 21 Tests. He has considerable experience with the team, even though he is younger than the two injured players. Rabada has played in 258 international matches, whereas Ngidi has appeared in 159. When discussing the responsibility ahead, Jansen said he is prepared to take on more duties on the field.
He further added, “It feels like I’m going to have to take that leadership role. I have to try and lead from the front. It’s probably going to be my first time taking up such a role, so I’m quite excited for that. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do if put in such a role.”
With Jansen in good form, it’s a boost for a South African team currently missing Ottneil Baartman due to his third hamstring issue, though the brighter news is that they may have two Jansens available. After Baartman’s withdrawal, Marco’s twin Duan was included in the ODI squad and delivered an impressive debut in the three-match series in Namibia, where he emerged as South Africa’s top wicket-taker.
He added, “Leadership, and I’m only basing it off of playing with KG and Lungi and all those guys, is that when things go sideways or when things are tough, especially in the field, you have to have a way of calming things down and slowing things down. That’s probably what I’ll be trying to do.”
