Marco Jansen: Test cricket is in a good place

By Benjamin Leshoro
5th November 2026

Proteas all-rounder Marco Jansen says Test cricket is still very much attractive to spectators, despite dwindling numbers in the stands especially in the first two matches against Australia in Durban and Gqeberha.

South Africa eventually won the three-match series 2-1 after a sensational victory in the decider in Cape Town, and Jansen believes the entertainment value was at its peak with all three Tests going the distance.

He does, however, admit that it’s very demanding physically especially after they enforced a follow-on and had to bowl for two straight innings in the second match.

"Yeah I think it's a very, very good spot especially when you have test matches going to day five. Second session, stuff like that, it makes the game more attractive and it's not a case of test matches finishing in two and a half days,” Jansen said.

“As a player it's nice to be part of those games and those matches as well. It's not always the best for your body but the thrill is very rewarding obviously when you are on the right side of it.

“This test match for me was one of my most enjoyable ones."

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While he continues to cherish his maiden Test for South Africa, which came in December 2021 against India, he says the series against Australia now outranks that one as the most memorable personally.

Jansen was named Player of the Series for his 13 wickets to go with 198 runs - including 85 in Gqeberha – across the three matches.

"The one that was a definite first for me was my debut series against India, that one and I think this one just sneaked past that was just because of how it was played. It was tough, it wasn't easy, there were a lot of ups and downs, it was never the case that one team just had an upper hand for an extended period of time,” he explained.

“There was a stage where I was sitting in the changeroom and you think, yes, we are in this thing and then all of a sudden four wickets and I'm like, what the hell are we doing.

“It went like that the whole time, first test match, second test match and this one as well. This one for me is definitely one of the most enjoyable ones and definitely the most hard one."