Jansen bounces in as series-defining force in India

“I JUST want to be like you!”

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

These were the humble words of Marco Jansen in response to legendary Proteas all-rounder Shaun Pollock yesterday. Jansen may hold Pollock, who claimed 421 Test wickets and struck 3 781 runs in an illustrious Test career, in high esteem, but the lanky all-rounder has already outdone his hero in this ongoing second Test against India in Guwahati.

The Proteas are in a commanding position, leading by 314 runs, with two days remaining.

The 25-year-old may have been disgusted with himself in getting out seven runs shy of his maiden Test century in the Proteas’ first innings, but his 93 was more than double Pollock's best off 44 on Indian soil.

But it is with the ball more than anything else that Jansen wants to make an impact. He certainly did so yesterday with a sparkling performance that rocked India to their core.

The left-arm seamer bristled into the crease to unleash a barrage of short balls that caught India’s batters by surprise.