Jansen excited for pace leadership role for Australia series
Reigning Test Champions South Africa lock horns with Australia for three ODIs and three Tests on home soil.
Lanky 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 September 24, following injuries to key fast bowlers.
Jansen acknowledged the challenge of missing senior teammates while embracing the extra 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.
Best of Marco Jansen | CWC23
Best of Marco Jansen | CWC23
"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.
"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 October 9.
Speaking on the format of the WTC cycle, 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.
South Africa beat Australia to seize the Ultimate Test | Full Match Highlights | WTC25 Final
Watch the full match highlights as Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada led the way as South Africa bested the defending champions Australia to clinch the World Test Championship mace at Lord's.
"If you need to win two out of two Test matches, your preparation is always going to be a lot more intense than usual because you know what's at stake.
"It is almost like an extended version of a World Cup, which is quite nice."
When asked if he expects a repeat of the 2025 WTC Final given that South Africa and Australia currently occupy the top two spots in the standings, Jansen said, "For now, we are just focussed on winning every Test match and then closer to the time, we will know exactly what we have to do and need to do to get into that final again."
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