South Africa’s Marco Jansen addressed the controversy over the team’s flight to Dubai for the Champions Trophy semi-finals, describing it as a mere short domestic trip. He expressed excitement about playing golf in Dubai and emphasized the team’s readiness for their upcoming match against India, highlighting their competitive edge despite the conditions.
In preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals, South Africa and Australia both traveled to Dubai, with only one team guaranteed to remain for the match against India. Following their victory securing a semi-final berth on Saturday, South Africa faces uncertainty about returning to Pakistan for their upcoming clash. Marco Jansen, a standout player for South Africa, expressed his positivity about the flight to Dubai, emphasizing that it mirrored a domestic journey in Pakistan, lasting just an hour and a half.
During a press conference, Jansen remarked, “Yeah, I don’t mind it. I haven’t played golf in a long time, so I’m looking forward to that. It’s a short flight. I wouldn’t say it’s too much of a hassle.” He acknowledged the dynamics of the semi-final match-ups, noting the importance of the outcome between New Zealand and Australia in determining their next opponent. Jansen stated that familiarity with conditions in Dubai mitigates any perceived disadvantage India might hold due to their training there.
The young cricketer underlined his focus on maintaining consistent performance as South Africa approaches the semi-finals, emphasizing the significance of their preparatory processes. After delivering a Player of the Match performance against England, wherein he took 3 wickets for 39 runs and made three catches, Jansen noted, “the mindset changes… in semi-finals you just try and do that extraordinarily well.”
Despite weather disruptions affecting their series against Australia, South Africa has demonstrated considerable strength in the tournament, notably outperforming a talented England team. With key players like Jansen showcasing exceptional form, the Proteas appear poised to excel in the remainder of the Champions Trophy. The team is confident as they prepare for their upcoming challenge in Dubai.
In summary, the travel to Dubai for the Champions Trophy semi-finals has been met with mixed reactions, but Marco Jansen’s positive outlook illustrates the team’s determination and focus. He remains optimistic about utilizing the opportunity for leisure activities like golf while also preparing seriously for the matches to come. With their strong performance against England, South Africa looks well-positioned for continued success in the tournament.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
