Marco Jansen’s heartfelt comment “I want to be like you” leaves Shaun Pollock stunned amid India vs South Africa 2nd Test

A light-hearted moment happened between Shaun Pollock and Marco Johnson after the third day of the second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati (Monday, November 24). Pollock lauded Marco Jansen for making an impact in every department of the game and the left-arm seamer’s reply made everyone smile.

Johnson produced a brilliant all-round performance on the third day. After missing a maiden Test century, he demolished India’s batting lineup, taking 6 wickets for 48 runs as India were bowled out for just 201 runs in reply to South Africa’s mammoth first innings score of 489 runs. The Proteas decided not to enforce the follow-on.

Marco Johnson achieved a feat unmatched by Kallis, Pollock and Klusener.

Marco Jansen achieved a rare feat in the second Test against India. He became the first South African to score a half-century and take six wickets in the same Test on Indian soil. The all-rounder scored 93 runs in 91 balls in the first innings.

With the ball, Johnson dismissed Dhruv Jurel in the morning session. After tea, he dismissed Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja in quick succession to dismantle India’s middle order.

The left-arm pacer completed his five-for by sending back Kuldeep Yadav, who scored 19 runs off 134 balls before being dismissed by Aiden Markram. He removed Jasprit Bumrah as Kyle Warren completed a simple catch.

Before Jensen, legendary South African all-rounders like Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusener had toured India several times but were never able to do so. However, Jensen achieved the feat on his very first Test tour of the country.

I Just Want to Be Like You, Shawn Pollock – Marco Jensen

After the third day’s play, Shaun Pollock lauded Jensen’s impact, joking that if he was not batting, he was bowling, and if he was not bowling, he was contributing fielding. Jensen responded with good humor and said he just wanted to be like Pollock.

,(About the game plan) The wicket obviously has good pace and bounce. Not too much wiggle or swing, a little here and there at the end. Once we saw that the wicket had a bit of bounce and better pace, we tried to use that. (Contributing in all departments) I just want to be like you, Shawn,” Jensen said.

Good day to colleagues and me – Marco Janssen

Marco Jansen said he was happy with his performance but felt the spinners deserved credit. He said that when the ball stopped spinning, the spinners kept things under control and created pressure, which gave them the advantage later on.

“Definitely a good day for the guys and especially for me. But yeah, I think the spinners did a really good job when the ball wasn’t turning much and there was a bit of dead period. I really think the spinners did a fantastic job and I’m lucky to have been the one to capitalize,” Jensen said.

“Who said we didn’t fight hard? Like I said, there was a bit of pace and bounce in the wicket, which was good. We thought we were probably going to field, or we were preparing to field at least for two days. The boys did a really good job today. (After getting out in the 90s) I had the most energy last night. Today was just about trying to get the job done for the team, I’m glad I did.”

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