Marco Jansen explains South Africa’s simple plan after six-wicket haul in Guwahati: 'Once we saw...'

South Africa’s tall fast bowler Marco Jansen said the team kept things very simple after he destroyed India with a brilliant six-wicket haul on Day 3 of the second Test in Guwahati. His spell helped bowl India out for just 201, giving the visitors a huge 288-run first-innings lead.

Jansen reveals South Africa’s plan

Jansen said the plan was clear from the start once they realised the Guwahati pitch had extra pace and bounce. “There’s obviously nice pace and bounce in the wicket. Not a lot of nip or swing, a little bit here at the end. Once we saw there was a bit of bounce and better pace in the wicket, we tried to utilize that,” he said.

Jansen also praised South Africa’s spinners for keeping things tight when the ball wasn’t doing much. Simon Harmer took three wickets and kept the pressure on from one end. “I feel the spinners did a really good job when the ball wasn’t moving as much and there was a dead period at some stage. I really feel the spinners did a brilliant job and I’m just lucky to be the one who cashed in.”

Jansen, who had scored 90 in the first innings, said he had already moved on from missing his century. “I took most of the steam off last night. Today was just all about trying to do a job for the team, which I’m glad I did,” he said.

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Jansen talks about the pitch

Talking about the pitch, he said it was still good for batting but expected the spinners to get more help later. “I still think it’s a good wicket. The ball is starting to turn now and then the ball is holding up a little bit. So I think the spinners are definitely going to come into play more in the second innings, probably tomorrow and the day after,” he said.

South Africa ended the day completely on top, reaching 26 for no loss in their second innings and stretching their overall lead to 314 runs with two days left. Openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram survived eight overs before stumps was called due to poor light.

Earlier in the day, India suffered another disappointing collapse after resuming at 9 for no loss. Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav were the only ones to fight, but once the stand was broken, South Africa cleaned up the rest quickly.

South Africa had made 489 in their first innings and had already won the first Test in Kolkata by 30 runs. With a massive lead and plenty of time left, they are favourites to take the series 2-0.

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