Is Marco Jansen the ace up the Proteas’ sleeve?

The Proteas might not be entirely banking on a match-winning performance from Marco Jansen, but he has been backed to have a big impact at the Gabba.

Jansen has shown great promise as a potential lower-order allrounder, but bowling is still his great strength.

Proteas can’t stop churning out fast bowlers

Marco Jansen has stepped up onto the international stage brilliantly for one so young and he could be a key player when South Africa face Australia in Brisbane this weekend.

The Proteas open their three-Test series at the Gabba, and coach Malibongwe Maketa notes that much is expected of Jansen.

“It’s been a sharp rise and people around the world have taken note,” Maketa said according to Sport24.

“It’s going to be a different challenge for him in this series as people have seen enough of him to come up with different plans.

“When it comes to performances, we’re pleased because he gives us the variety we need in our attack.

“From a pace and height perspective, it sets him apart and he’s an exciting prospect for us.”

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Proteas can’t get carried away

Maketa cautioned against allowing the conditions to over-excite the fast bowlers.

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He has backed Kagiso Rabada as the leader of this Proteas attack.

Maketa believes the bowlers are well prepared and should be able to find their lengths quickly.

“He’s still young, but having been here before and in terms of his experience, the other bowlers are leaning on him for experience,” Maketa said.

“When you look at the Wanderers, you’ve got the same here where you can get carried away by the bounce, but we’re clear with our lengths.

“We’ve been working hard on the fuller lengths and making the batters play.”

The first Test between Australia and South Africa from the Gabba in Brisbane gets underway at 02:20 (SAST) on Saturday, 17 December 2022.