The diligent security guard patrolling the concourse just a meter or so below the top of the sightscreen at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Stadium was resolute in carrying out his duties on Wednesday. “Sir!” It was a command rather than a term of respect, emphasized by a raised hand signaling to stop right there. “Next over, sir! Please wait!”
From that vantage point on the concourse, one could catch a glimpse of Devon Conway at the Pavilion End, as he readied himself, bat tapping the pitch, head steady, and eyes focused on the approaching bowler, marking the beginning of New Zealand’s response to South Africa’s 357/4.
The sightscreens at Pune are undeniably among the tallest in the world of cricket. What harm could it do if someone wanted to get a bit closer to capture a photograph of the scene illuminated hazily by the evening smog? There was no way Conway’s view of the oncoming bowler would be obstructed by that movement. However, there is no point in arguing with meticulous security personnel at cricket grounds. So, we patiently waited…
Suddenly, and with startling swiftness, a significant part of the view above the sightscreen was interrupted by a towering figure. Rising from below, it was as if he appeared out of nowhere, reminiscent of the shark in “Jaws,” climbing higher and higher. You felt compelled to apologize to the security guard for not comprehending the vectors relevant to that moment.
Marco Jansen, all 2.06 meters of him, had just delivered his first ball from what Kagiso Rabada would later describe, not entirely in jest, as “18 meters above the ground.” From the batter’s perspective, when he released the ball, a portion of Jansen’s lengthy left arm probably reached even higher than the tallest sightscreens in cricket.
This is just one of the factors that have made him the most lethal new-ball bowler at the World Cup. With a dozen wickets at an average of 12.83 and an economy rate of 4.96 in the powerplay, Jansen’s deceptive seam movement has troubled both right-handers and left-handers, uprooting stumps and finding edges. He has even managed to sneak a few deliveries down the leg side and memorably straightened one to create a catch at leg slip. The next best powerplay performer, Dilshan Madushanka, has managed to take seven wickets. So, what sets Jansen apart from his peers, other than his towering height?
“He consistently hits great lengths, swings the ball both ways, and has an excellent bouncer,” Rabada commented. “When you have those skills in your arsenal and execute them more often than not, you’re bound to succeed. He’s a natural bowler with a fluid action – he can make the ball swing and seam effortlessly. He possesses the innate ability to make bowling look effortless.”
That’s three mentions of “natural” in two sentences. It’s not a term typically associated with a beanpole fast bowler who appears as though he might snap in two as he strides in to bowl. In fact, he seems more at ease and genuine when he’s wielding the bat and aggressively taking on the bowlers.
However, Jansen’s contribution of 16 wickets has been pivotal to South Africa’s success. They have dismissed England, Australia, and New Zealand for scores below 200. Yet, the bowlers have often been overshadowed by their batting counterparts, especially when South Africa has batted first. On such occasions, South Africa has scored 428/5, 311/7, 399/7, 382/5, and 357/4, winning each time. On average, that’s a total of 375/6, more than any other team in the tournament, including England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Afghanistan, the Netherlands, or Bangladesh.
So, when South Africa bats first, by the time their bowlers get their hands on the ball, they have the luxury to be aggressive, dream big, and entertain the crowd. Even better, they have a formidable bowling attack consisting of Jansen, Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi, who have collectively taken 65 wickets at an average of 22.97. Of those, 18 wickets have fallen during the powerplay, seven more than the second-placed Sri Lanka. Would anyone care to consider a leg slip?
“When the batsmen put up big totals, it means we have runs to defend,” noted Rabada, who played a pivotal role in bundling out New Zealand for 167 in 35.3 overs. “But we almost make it irrelevant how much our batsmen score. We focus on our own targets as a bowling unit and fielding unit. However, with the batsmen putting up big totals, it creates opportunities for taking wickets because the opposition batsmen have to go after the ball. Nevertheless, we set our own standards and have confidence in defending any total.
“All the bowlers in our attack are genuine wicket-takers, and that’s why we’re seeing results. We’re playing close to our best, which is why we’re.
