Fanie: Marco, Wiaan 'jewels in Proteas' crown'

FORMER South African bowler Fanie de Villiers believes the Proteas possess "two jewels" in all-rounders Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder, who have the potential to swing the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's next month in Shukri Conrad's team's favour.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

"I think they can play a massive role when they need to support (Temba) Bavuma and (Aiden) Markram on the batting side, and in the bowling side, to support the likes of a (Kagiso) Rabada... that’s the spearhead in our system," De Villiers told Independent Media.

"We've got two jewels there, guys that can really lift their game. And especially if one of our boys struggle, they can come to the party and help us out.

"So, if you would ask me what's going to happen in this Test match, if we're not going to play at 120% of our ability, it’s going to be difficult to beat the Australians.

"But the one good thing is it’s a neutral ground. That might play to our benefit.

"And you know, the little bit of luck that one gets in Test cricket, if you play and miss once or twice, you might nick the third one."

De Villiers, 60, enjoyed many gripping battles with the Australians during his heyday, none more so than the epic New Year's Test in Sydney back in 1994.

He claimed match-figures of 10/123, which included 6/43 in the second innings that helped bowl the Australians out for just 111, to help the Proteas script a memorable five-run victory.