One of the notable absentees from the Proteas limited overs squads to take on Afghanistan and Ireland starting later this month was Marco Jansen, and the allrounder has revealed it is part of his long-term plan that he was rested.
The 24-year-old has had a gruelling schedule over the last couple years, as he attempted to juggle international cricket and franchise commitments which included playing in the demanding Indian Premier League (IPL).
As much as the break is for Jansen’s physical conditioning, it’s also about ensuring his mental health. Jansen is four weeks into his 12-week ‘rehabilitation break’.
Kagiso Rabada has also been rested for the upcoming series, and Jansen explained the thinking of the Proteas management.
ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP SQUAD
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Best way forward
"The decision was done over a long period of time taking in consideration how I feel, where my head is at and where my body is at and based on what will be the best way forward for me and the entire team," Jansen told SportsBoom.com in an exclusive interview.
The left-arm quick and right hand batsman Jansen made his international bow in 2021, while Rabada has been in the Proteas setup for a decade now.
"I can only imagine how the body and mind feels for someone like KG (Rabada) who has been playing nonstop. For him for an example, a break would be beneficial. For me as well, it would be beneficial even though naturally as a player you want to play.”
"So, it is about how can we get the best out of everyone in a two-year span while being able to get the necessary strength work in between as well.”
"That's what this is about, helping us get stronger every two years," he added.