MARCO JANSEN’s seven-wicket haul led South Africa to a commanding position as Sri Lanka were bowled out for their lowest Test total of 42 on the second day of the first Test at Kingsmead on Thursday.
The left-arm pacer took 7 for 13, with Sri Lanka dismissed in just 13.5 overs—the second-shortest completed innings in Test cricket history. South Africa had earlier managed a modest first-innings total of 191, securing a lead of 149 runs.
By stumps, South Africa extended their lead to 281 runs, reaching 132 for 3 in their second innings.
Jansen, standing 2.06 metres tall, admitted he initially struggled to control the ball due to strong winds but eventually found his rhythm. “I struggled to get my wrist behind the ball. It felt like I was battling something, but I just tried to make it work,” Jansen said.
Kagiso Rabada started Sri Lanka’s collapse, dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne at first slip. Jansen followed up in his second over, removing Pathum Nissanka, which triggered an inspired spell of fast bowling. His pace, bounce, and ability to swing the ball proved lethal, although he also bowled two no-balls.
Reflecting on his performance, Jansen credited his recent conditioning break, saying, “I feel I can go for longer periods of time, concentrating at a high level Read More….