Guwahati, India - In a stunning display of skill and determination, Marco Jansen's exceptional performance has propelled South Africa closer to a Test series victory in India, a feat they haven't achieved in 25 years. The towering left-arm fast bowler's remarkable all-round contribution in the second Test in Guwahati has put the Proteas in a commanding position, leaving India reeling.
Jansen's impact was felt with both bat and ball. In South Africa's first innings, he showcased his aggressive batting style, scoring a fluent 93 off just 91 balls. His innings helped the visitors post a formidable total of 489, placing immense pressure on the Indian batting lineup.
However, it was with the ball that Jansen truly made history. On the third day of the Test, he delivered a devastating spell of fast bowling, claiming six wickets for just 48 runs. Jansen's victims included key Indian batsmen such as Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Ravindra Jadeja, dismantling the hosts' batting order. His performance is now among the best by a South African quick in India, only surpassed by Lance Klusener (8/64 in 1996) and Dale Steyn (7/51 in 2010). Among visiting left-arm pacers, his figures are the fourth-best ever recorded in India. This is the first time a South African has managed to score a half-century and take six wickets in the same Test match in India.
Jansen's six-wicket haul is part of a historic trend. He is now part of a select group of players to score 50 or more runs and take a five-wicket haul in a Test in India in this century. Only Nicky Boje in 2000 and Jason Holder in 2008 had previously accomplished this feat.
India, in response to South Africa's imposing total, were bundled out for a mere 201. Only Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and Washington Sundar (48) offered some resistance, but Jansen and Simon Harmer (3/64) proved too difficult to handle.
At stumps on Day 3, South Africa had reached 26/0 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 314 runs. With two days of play remaining, the Proteas are in a dominant position to secure a series-clinching victory. A win in this series would mark South Africa's first Test series win in India since Hansie Cronje's team triumphed in 2000.
Jansen's performance has drawn comparisons to South African great Shaun Pollock, who has served as an inspiration for the young all-rounder. Jansen himself acknowledged Pollock's influence, stating his desire to emulate the legendary cricketer's contributions with both bat and ball.
The victory is looming after South Africa chose not to enforce the follow-on, despite having the opportunity to do so. This decision indicates their confidence in their batting lineup and their determination to set an imposing target for the hosts in the fourth innings. The move also suggests a calculated approach, considering the potential for variable conditions later in the match.
As South Africa stands on the verge of a historic series victory, Marco Jansen's name will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of South African cricket. His remarkable performance in Guwahati serves as a testament to his immense talent and potential, marking him as a player to watch for years to come.
