![Marco Jansen scored 85 (100) vs Australia [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792499867527_MarcoJansenSouthAfrica.jpg?type=hq)
Marco Jansen scored 85 (100) vs Australia [Source: AFP]
Marco Jansen was the talk of the town in Gqeberha, as he powered through his 85-run knock and averted a collapse against Australia. The knock was crucial for South Africa’s survival in the series, as they came into the game following a drubbing in Durban.
He not only took the Aussie attack by storm, but also let captain Temba Bavuma play at his pace and stay at one end as a calming presence amidst the chaos.
Jansen’s 85 vs Australia creates history
Through the years, Jansen has shown his ability to score heavily at a high strike rate regardless of the format. Having joined captain Bavuma in the middle when the going was getting tough and the score read 110/6, Jansen launched an all-out attack on the visitors, but unfortunately missed a well-deserved century.
Nonetheless, his 85 off 100 is the highest score for a South African against Australia batting at 8 or below. Only Brian McMillan, in 1998, scored more, i.e., 87* (165).
Highest score for South Africa vs Australia at number 8 or lower:
- 87* - Brian McMillan, Adelaide, 1998
- 85 - Marco Jansen, Gqeberha, 2026, This Innings*
- 76 - Peter van der Merwe, Johannesburg, 1966
- 76 - Dale Steyn, Melbourne, 2008
Jansen keeps Proteas alive
In a rain-curtailed game, the Australian bowlers had a lot of help from the surface as well as the weather. The Proteas batters kept falling for baits and had no answers to the disciplined Aussie attack until Jansen arrived at the crease.
On paper, Jansen was the last recognised batter and an early wicket would have brought in Simon Harmer in very early. While Harmer and Kagiso Rabada can bat, it would not have been ideal for the Proteas, considering it is a must-win Test.
Jansen not only launched an attack, but also derailed the Aussie plans. Pat Cummins and co. had to re-strategise before Scott Boland completed his five-wicket haul, with Travis Head’s help at short midwicket. Before being dismissed, Jansen added 132(186) with Bavuma and took the team from 110/6 to 242/7, giving the bowlers something to work with.
