Marco Jansen's aggressive innings of 93 runs in the second Test against India in Guwahati has etched his name in the record books, surpassing milestones held by cricketing legends. While he narrowly missed out on a century, Jansen's power-hitting display was instrumental in South Africa's imposing first-innings total.
Jansen's knock was characterized by an incredible seven sixes, setting a new record for the most sixes hit by a visiting batter in a single Test innings in India. This feat broke the previous record of six sixes, jointly held by West Indies icon Viv Richards (1974, Delhi) and Australian Matthew Hayden (2001, Chennai).
Walking in to bat at number nine, Jansen took the attack to the Indian bowlers, forming a formidable partnership with Senuran Muthusamy, who also scored his maiden Test century. Jansen's aggressive approach was evident as he smashed the ball around the park, breaking his bat twice in the process. One instance saw him sending a Kuldeep Yadav delivery soaring over long-on, while another resulted in a broken bat as he powered a shot past the umpire for a boundary.
Commentators and fans have lauded Jansen's innings, praising his fearless approach and clean hitting. Social media platforms have been flooded with videos of his powerful strokes, highlighting the impact of his innings on the Test match.
Prior to Jansen, the record for the most sixes in a Test innings by a number nine or lower batter was held by Zimbabwe's Andy Blignaut. Jansen's seven sixes also surpassed Wasim Akram's previous best of five sixes against India in India, a record that had stood since 1987.
Jansen's batting performance comes on the heels of a successful IPL auction where he was picked up by Punjab Kings for ₹7 crore. His all-round abilities have made him a valuable asset in both Test and T20 formats. Just last year, Jansen also smashed the fastest fifty against India in T20Is, reaching the milestone in just 16 balls.
While Jansen missed out on a well-deserved century, his record-breaking innings has undoubtedly shifted the momentum in South Africa's favor. His aggressive batting lower down the order has added a new dimension to the South African batting lineup.
