Jansen keen to lead Proteas bowling attack

September 21, 2026 7

Proteas speedster, Marco Jansen, is set to step up and lead South Africa’s pace attack for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, which begins on Thursday, following injuries to key fast bowlers.

The lanky bowler acknowledged the challenge of missing senior teammates while embracing the added responsibility.

“Obviously those two [Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada] not being a part of the squad is a bit of a loss, I’d say,” he said. “They are two obviously world-class bowlers and they know how to bowl especially in South African conditions.”

“When things go tough, especially on field, they have a way of calming things down. That’s probably what I’ll be trying to do,” he added.

“Personally it feels like I am going to have to take that leadership role, it is probably going to be my first time taking up such a role and I am actually looking forward to see what I can also do if put in such a role.”

South Africa will also take on Australia in a three-match ICC World Test Championship series starting 9 October.

Speaking on the WTC format, Jansen said: “It is a nice structure. It makes you feel like every Test match actually means something and there is a bigger role to a Test match.

“We have ten Test matches left until the final and then you are trying to work out on how much do you need to win, if you lose what needs to happen.”

ODI Series schedule:

First ODI – 24 September, Durban
Second ODI – 27 September, Johannesburg
Third ODI – 30 September, Potchefstroom

Test Series schedule:

First Test: October 9-13, Durban
Second Test: October 18-22, Gqeberha
Third Test: October 27-31, Johannesburg

FINAL PREPARATIONS!🔥#TheProteas are putting in the work in Durban, as the countdown to the first ODI against Australia on home soil begins! 🏏🇿🇦

Thursday can’t come soon enough. 👀

🎟️ Get your tickets now at https://t.co/MJjMnWtRvD and be there for the action!#Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/3nhOt1uRRr

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 21, 2026