As South Africa prepares for the much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final against Australia at Lord’s, young fast bowler Proteas Marco Jansen has revealed a timely piece of wisdom he received from none other than Australian great Ricky Ponting. The advice, according to Jansen, came during their shared time in the IPL and has played a key role in shaping his mental approach as the Proteas aim to create history on the grandest stage.
Jansen, known for his left-arm pace and lower-order contributions with the bat, has had a breakthrough couple of years in international cricket. However, it is his growth off the field, particularly mentally, that he credits to figures like Ponting. Jansen explained that Ponting’s words left a lasting impression on him during the recently concluded IPL season. The message was simple yet powerful: focus on what can go right rather than worrying about what could go wrong.
Ponting’s emphasis on positive visualization over negative anticipation struck a chord with the young South African quick. In a sport where pressure and self-doubt can creep in at any moment, this change in mindset gave Jansen clarity and confidence—qualities that will be vital when he takes the field against a seasoned Australian batting lineup.
Interestingly, despite their professional rapport, Ponting couldn’t resist a bit of playful banter before Jansen rejoined the national team. In good humour, Ponting told him, “I hope you go well—but I hope you lose the final.” The friendly dig only highlighted the deep mutual respect between the two and the light-hearted spirit in which the game is played, even when the stakes are at their highest.
Jansen had a solid IPL season, finishing with 16 wickets in 14 games, and his consistent form has earned him a central role in South Africa’s pace attack for the final. Alongside Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, Jansen’s unique angle and bounce will be a key component in the Proteas’ strategy to dismantle Australia’s top order.
To further bolster their preparations, the South African squad has enlisted the help of recently retired England pacer Stuart Broad. Broad, who has had immense success against Australia and is intimately familiar with conditions at Lord’s, is serving as a consultant for the final. Jansen is especially eager to learn from Broad, who he regards as one of the smartest fast bowlers of the modern era.
South Africa’s road to the WTC final has been a gritty one, filled with hard-fought series and moments of both brilliance and frustration. But with a balanced squad, a rejuvenated pace battery, and some invaluable guidance from legends like Ponting and Broad, the team finds itself in a strong position both mentally and tactically.
For Jansen, this final is more than just a match. It’s a culmination of hard work, belief, and the ability to embrace the big stage with the right frame of mind. Ponting’s advice may have come in passing, but its impact could well be felt in one of the most crucial games of his young career. Now, with the world watching and Lord’s ready to host a classic, the Proteas will look to channel all their preparation and self-belief into what could be a defining moment in South African cricket history.
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