Jansen’s 5/33 puts Proteas in control of second Test vs Australia

The Proteas are in a commanding position in the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha, with the visitors still needing 170 runs on the final day just to make the hosts bat again, according to The Citizen.

Jansen leads the collapse

Australia resumed their first innings on 3/1 on Wednesday morning, but the South African attack dismantled them. They were bowled out for only 99.

All-rounder Marco Jansen, who had earlier hit a half-century in the Proteas’ first innings, starred with the ball too. He finished with career-best figures of 5/33.

The Proteas then enforced the follow-on. At the close of play, Australia were 156/4 in their second innings. Travis Head was unbeaten on 87 off 138 balls, and Scott Boland was not out on two off 23.

‘A nice feeling’

Jansen said the team knew it had to bowl Australia out quickly because of the rain. Lengthy delays had affected the first two days of the match.

“We’re just very happy with the way it turned out,” he said, adding that the bowlers had shown plenty of intent and energy with the new ball.

He also credited the fielders. He singled out Simon Harmer for taking what he called “absolute stunners”, and Aiden Markram for a great catch at second slip. “Everything basically going our way is a nice feeling,” Jansen said.

Focus on the moment

The Proteas came into the Test trailing 1-0 in the three-match series. Jansen said they hit back by focusing on one ball and one session at a time, rather than looking too far ahead.

He said players can get into trouble by thinking too far ahead, because their minds are then not where they should be. In his view, a bowler can only do what he can with the ball in his hand and then the next ball.

What to watch on the final day

Australia are still 170 runs away from making the Proteas bat a second time, and they have six second-innings wickets in hand. Head’s unbeaten 87 is the main obstacle for the South African bowlers. A win would level the series at 1-1 with one Test remaining.

This story is based on reporting by The Citizen.