Marco Jansen is preparing to take greater responsibility as South Africa face Australia in three ODIs before their crucial Test series.

South Africa are preparing for a demanding home assignment against Australia, with Marco Jansen expected to shoulder greater responsibility in the bowling attack during the upcoming three-match ODI series.

The ODI contest is scheduled to begin on September 24, with the Proteas dealing with injuries to experienced fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada. Their absence leaves Jansen as one of the leading figures in South Africa’s pace department.

The tall left-arm seamer recognised the significance of losing two senior members of the attack, particularly because of their experience in South African conditions. He also highlighted their ability to maintain composure when matches become difficult.

Jansen is now preparing to assume a more prominent leadership role. Although it represents a new challenge for him at international level, he indicated that he is looking forward to testing himself with greater responsibility.

The Australia tour does not end with the ODI series. The two sides are also scheduled to play three Tests, with the first match beginning on October 9 as part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Jansen believes the WTC structure adds greater significance to every Test because teams are constantly aware of their position in the standings and the results required to reach the final.

With South Africa and Australia currently occupying the top two positions in the standings, attention has already turned toward the possibility of another meeting between the teams in the WTC Final. South Africa defeated Australia in the 2025 final to claim the championship.

However, Jansen said the Proteas are not looking beyond their immediate objectives. He stressed that the team’s priority is to win each Test rather than focus on a potential final at this stage.

The upcoming series therefore carries importance across both formats. South Africa will first seek to establish momentum in the ODIs before turning their attention to the longer format, where the WTC points could have a significant bearing on their campaign.

For Jansen, the series also provides an opportunity to demonstrate his leadership qualities while helping fill the gap created by the absence of senior pace bowlers.