- South Africa's Marco Jansen directed words at two dismissed Australian batters during the second Test in Gqeberha, drawing scrutiny
- Jansen took 5-33 as South Africa bowled Australia out for 99 in their first innings on day four
- The ICC Code of Conduct contains a specific provision that could apply to Jansen's on-field behaviour
South Africa fast bowler Marco Jansen is facing potential disciplinary action from the ICC after his conduct during Australia's first innings on day four of the second Test at St George's Park.
Jansen claimed five wickets for 33 runs as the Proteas dismissed Australia for just 99, but his celebrations drew as much attention as his bowling.
After removing Matt Renshaw and Beau Webster, the towering left-armer directed words at both batters as they walked off. Renshaw was visibly affected, glancing back after hearing what was said, while Jansen appeared to use strong language following Webster's dismissal.
ICC Code of Conduct under the spotlight
Article 2.5 of the ICC's Code of Conduct prohibits players from "using language, actions, or gestures which disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon dismissal." Jansen's conduct, while stopping short of a direct physical confrontation, could be judged to fall within the scope of that provision.
The 208cm seamer also appeared to imitate Marnus Labuschagne's distinctive batting mannerisms during their exchanges at the crease. After stumps, Jansen described the rivalry as part of the competitive fabric of Test cricket.
"It's a fun way of playing a game within a game," he told reporters.
"With Marnus, he's a fierce competitor, and you have to be at your best to firstly restrict him from scoring, and then secondly try to get him out. It's just boys having fun."
Echoes of Rabada's infamous sanction in 2018
Cricket.com.au commentator Louis Cameron noted the intensity of Jansen's celebrations, saying:
"There's no doubt he was more fired up than in previous moments in this series. Let's make no bones about it, there was a gobful for Matt Renshaw on the way off and a gobful for Beau Webster. Australia are getting a 208cm giant in their face. So that was some pretty hostile stuff."
The incident draws comparisons to a moment at the same venue eight years ago, when Kagiso Rabada screamed in Steve Smith's face and made shoulder contact after claiming his wicket. Rabada received an initial two-match ICC ban, which was later overturned on appeal. Smith's response at the time was pointed:
"What's the point of over-celebrating? And getting in the face of a batter, you've already won the battle."
No formal disciplinary charge against Jansen had been confirmed at the time of publication.
Source: Briefly News
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