'Once we saw there was a bit of...': Marco Jansen explains how he dismantled India with six wickets on challenging batting-friendly Barsapara pitch

South Africa left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen dismantled India's batting during the second Test match with a six-wicket haul to bowl India out for 201 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

Marco Jansen on the Guwahati wicket

The 25-year-old star 6-48, following a first‑innings score of 93, put South Africa in a strong position to of a historic series win in India. The left-arm quick also became only the third left-arm fast-bowler to take a five-wicket haul in India after Zaheer Khan and Mitchell Johnson. After the end of Day 3's play, Jansen said that they saw a bit of bounce and better pace in the Guwahati wicket, and he tried to utilise that.

“The boys did a really good job today. 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. There’s obviously a 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 utilise that. I just want to be like you, Shaun (contributing in all departments). I really feel the spinners did a brilliant job and I’m just lucky to be the one who cashed in,” said Jansen to broadcasters at the end of day three’s play, where South Africa ended with a lead of 314 runs.

Marco Jansen lauds South Africa spinners

The legendary all-rounder also lauded spinners for doing well despite not getting a lot of help from the surface.

“Obviously, a good day for the chaps and for myself in particular. But 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.”

“Who said we didn’t fight hard? Like I said, there was a bit of pace and bounce in the wicket, which was nice. We did think we were probably going to field, or we were preparing to field, for at least two days,” added Jansen.

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India vs South Africa 2nd Test

South Africa seized control on Day 3 against India in the second Test match, after dismissing the hosts for 201 in their first innings, the Proteas extended their lead to 288 runs. By stumps, South Africa were 26 for no loss in their second innings, with openers Ryan Rickelton (13*) and Aiden Markram (12*) at the crease.

India struggled throughout the innings, with only Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and Washington Sundar (48) offering some resistance. Four wickets fell in the morning session, and three more in the second session, leaving India in deep trouble. Washington and Kuldeep Yadav added 72 runs for the eighth wicket before being dismissed.

Marco Jansen was the standout performer, picking up 6/48, while Simon Harmer supported with 3/64. Other Indian batters, including KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, fell cheaply.