The lanky all-rounders, Marco and Duan, are in the Proteas squad together as they haven’t played alongside each other in a match much since their school days at Potchefstroom Gimnasium.

Marco has already established himself as a key member of the Proteas across all three formats, with 32 ODIs, 30 T20Is and 21 Tests under his belt. Duan, meanwhile, is still finding his feet on the international stage, having played just six matches for South Africa – two ODIs and four T20Is – in which he has claimed 16 wickets.

Marco Jansen is a key member of the Proteas. Photo: Cricinfo

Duan was initially not selected for the series against Australia, but injuries to Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman and now Lungi Ngidi have opened the door for head coach Shukri Conrad to call up the less experienced Jansen sibling.

The third ODI will be played in the twins’ hometown of Potchefstroom, raising the tantalising prospect of the brothers sharing the field for the Proteas on familiar turf.

Marco told OFM Sport that should the opportunity arise, it would make the occasion even more special.

“Yeah, that would be special. I mean, to play any game for the Proteas together would be special, but I think if it were to happen in Potchefstroom as well, that would make it even more so,” said Jansen.

“Obviously, we grew up close to Potchefstroom and went to high school there, so if it pans out like that, it would be awesome.

“But we know we play the same skill, basically, so we’re just going to take it as it comes. If that opportunity presents itself, you better believe we’re going to make the most of it and enjoy it as much as we can.”

Marco Jansen has established himself as a genuine all-rounder. Photo: Cricinfo

For Marco, there is also a sense of pride in watching his twin brother begin to find his feet at international level.

While Duan is still relatively new to the Proteas set-up, Marco believes his time has arrived and is confident that his brother has plenty to offer.

“Yeah, it’s a bit strange because, apart from North West a few years ago, I think the last time he and I played in the same team and trained together was probably at school. So, it’s a bit strange, but it’s a good kind of strange.

Duan Jansen in action for South Africa in Windhoek. Photo: Cricinfo

“And then, seeing how he played there in Namibia, I’m very, very happy for him. Obviously, I’m his brother, so I know what he’s capable of. I know what he can do.

“He struggled a little bit at the start of his career, but I think he’s now at a place where things are falling nicely into place for him and he’s comfortable with his game.

“He’s confident in his game, he knows what he can do, and he knows what it takes to get his body right when he’s feeling a bit stiff or whatever the case may be.

Marco and Duan Jansen along with Tristan Stubbs at the IPL. Photo: Cricinfo

“So, I’m very happy to see him doing what I know he can do. Hopefully, he can keep doing it for a long, long time and, hopefully, for the Proteas for many years to come as well.”

The first ODI against Australia will be played at Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday. The second game will be played at the Wanderers in Johannesburg before concluding in Potchefstroom on the 30th.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs