- Proteas interim Test coach Malibongwe Maketa hoped Marco Jansen would thrive in Brisbane over the weekend.
- The lanky fast bowler has been an important cog in South Africa’s bowling machine in home and away games.
- Jansen could and should be a Matchday 11 favorite for South Africa for Saturday’s first test against Australia in Brisbane.
Proteas interim test coach Malibongwe Maketa is keen to see what the Gabba surface has in store for all-rounder Marco Jansen.
The tall left-arm closer has been a major component of bowling for Proteas since his Test debut against India at SuperSport Park last year.
The Gabba, in Brisbane, is regarded as the most bouncy course in the southern hemisphere, and Jansen is expected to make the most of it when Proteas take on Australia in the first of three Tests on Saturday.
Maketa gave every indication that Jansen, whose batting has also advanced by leaps and bounds to the point where Wiaan Mulder has become surplus to requirements, will be part of the XI for Saturday’s matchday.
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Maketa said Australia’s batting lineup will know what Jansen brings to the plate, but he remains a key member of their attack.
“It’s been a strong increase and people around the world have taken notice,” Maketa said.
“It will be a different challenge for him in this series, as people have seen enough of him to come up with different plans.
“In terms of performances, we are happy because it gives us the variety we need in our attack.
“From a pace and height perspective, he sets him apart and is an exciting prospect for us.”
Kagiso Rabada, along with Keshav Maharaj, are the two bowlers to return from the successful 2016/17 trip.
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Rabada was still early in his career when they won in Perth and Hobart, but he showed excellent development steps from a leadership perspective when Dale Steyn was injured on that tour.
Maketa was clear that Rabada’s experience and leadership are crucial, but added that they cannot be swayed by Brisbane’s pace and rebounding.
“He’s still young but having been here before and in terms of his experience, the other bowlers lean on him because of his experience,” Maketa said.
“When you look at the Wanderers, you have the same thing here where you can get carried away with the rebound, but we are clear with our lengths.
“We’ve been working hard on longs and getting hitters to play.”
