Jansen keeps the focus on the team
Marco Jansen has emerged from South Africa’s series against Australia with another major individual accolade, but the Klerksdorp-linked Proteas all-rounder has resisted the attention that comes with it. The 2.08-metre player was named Player of the Series after the Proteas secured the contest, yet his assessment of the campaign was centred on shared responsibility rather than personal achievement.
Jansen said the outcome brought an immediate sense of relief before the emotion of the victory took over. His comments reflected the pressure attached to performing in a high-profile international series, as well as the importance of contributions that are not always visible on the scorecard.
“This is a team thing. It's not an individual thing, and that gives me a lot of joy.”
That approach has particular resonance for supporters in Klerksdorp, where Jansen has repeatedly been associated with a grounded attitude despite his rapid rise in international cricket. The source of his own description was equally modest: rather than presenting himself as a finished star, he referred to himself as “just a laaitie from Klerksdorp”.
Rabada’s influence on a fast-bowling partnership
Jansen also singled out fellow fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for the confidence and composure he brings to the Proteas attack. Rabada’s influence was not limited to his performances with the ball. Jansen described him as someone who reinforces what teammates are doing well and helps keep tactical discussions clear during a match.
The relationship was especially important for Jansen during the decisive stages of the Newlands Test. He acknowledged that he can overthink situations, and said he had slept for only a short period before the final morning because he was considering the possible demands of the day and how the match might develop.
- Jansen was named Player of the Series.
- Rabada claimed three wickets in a new-ball spell on the decisive Saturday morning.
- Jansen credited the team’s collective effort rather than presenting the result as an individual success.
Rabada’s early burst helped shape the final morning and was described as a key moment in securing the Newlands Test and the series. For Jansen, however, the value of the partnership extends beyond one spell or one result. He said Rabada’s presence on and off the field gives him additional assurance when plans and tactics need to be assessed under pressure.
Recognition without losing perspective
Jansen’s remarks also point to the different ways a player can influence a match. He said a contribution could come through performance on the field, but also through support and involvement away from the most visible moments. That perspective is significant for an all-rounder whose role can shift between bowling, batting and fielding during a demanding Test.
The series recognition follows a campaign in which Jansen was described as a world champion and the leading-ranked bowler and all-rounder in the world. Even with those distinctions attached to his name, he made clear that his own standing does not alter the importance of the wider squad or the guidance of senior teammates.
| Proteas figure | Contribution highlighted |
|---|---|
| Marco Jansen | Named Player of the Series and spoke about collective responsibility |
| Kagiso Rabada | Delivered a three-wicket new-ball burst and provided tactical support |
For Klerksdorp supporters, the result provides another occasion to follow Jansen’s progress at the highest level while recognising the values he has emphasised: preparation, mutual support and a team-first mindset. His comments after the Australia series suggest that the acclaim has not changed the way he understands his role in the Proteas set-up.
Rather than treating the trophies as proof of one player’s dominance, Jansen framed them as the outcome of a group effort. That message, alongside his acknowledgement of Rabada’s influence, has kept the focus on the collective work behind South Africa’s success.
