Marco Jansen on India’s schedule in Champions Trophy – Don’t think its that much advantage

Contrary to his teammate, Rassie van der Dussen’s opinion, South African all-rounder Marco Jansen doesn’t think India playing all of their matches in known Dubai conditions is that much of an advantage. If the Proteas go on to play India in Dubai, they will need to travel to the UAE.

India is playing all of their matches in Dubai due to security and political reasons of traveling to Pakistan and have won their opening two matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan to qualify for the semifinals.

Meanwhile, South Africa were able to top Group B on Saturday after they registered a seven-win against England. Marco Jansen, who bagged the Player of the Match for his three-wicket haul, said their batters are accustomed of playing in spin-friendly conditions and they have the experience of playing in Dubai.

Speaking after the win, Jansen said, “If we play in Dubai and it’s against India, obviously they’ve had training and that kind of stuff, so they will be more used to the conditions. But we’ve also played in Dubai, so it’s not something new. We play spin really, really well. So I don’t think it’s that much or that too much of an advantage. I just think it all comes down to, on the day who plays better.”

The lanky pacer said there was some help for the fast bowlers in the Powerplay overs and he was delighted to use that to his advantage against England.

“I was hoping for some swing, but then obviously there wasn’t too much in the air. There was a little bit of nip at the start and then once the ball got older there wasn’t really much deviation from the wicket. For me, it was just backing my options, which is probably hitting at a hard length and not erring on the fuller side, rather on the shorter side. For us it’s just all about going out and bowling with good intent because then if you bowl with good intent … you tend to have more energy on the ball and then things generally happen.

South Africa will look to go all the way and end their major ICC tournaments’ hoodoo.