Brothers Marko and Duane Jansen could make history for Proteas in ODI match in Bulllerine

Fans dressed in bright pink colors gathered at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg as South Africa faced Australia during the second Pink ODI match dedicated to breast cancer awareness.

The day before this match, which took place on Sunday, there was a tense anticipation building at the Wanderers for the second game of the series between South Africa and Australia. After South Africa confidently defeated Australia in the first ODI in Durban earlier this week, fans expected Proteas to win the three-match series at the iconic Johannesburg arena.

The Pink ODI has a dual significance: besides hosting a world-class match, it serves the goal of raising awareness about breast cancer, with a significant portion of the proceeds going to the Breast Care Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg.

Although it was raining around 7:00 AM in Centurion, the weather turned out to be ideal for cricket on the Jukskei field. However, there was significant cloud cover over the stadium, which would have made starting with bowling an attractive option.

This is exactly what happened when Australian captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and decided that South Africa should bat first. By noon, when South Africa had scored 132 runs, having lost three batsmen after 22 overs, the stands were significantly filled. Most spectators were dressed in shades of pink, creating a more colorful and exciting spectacle than any standard ODI match.

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma and his teammates will take part in the annual Pink Day event dedicated to supporting cancer fighters. As part of this campaign, players will wear the names of people who have survived cancer on their playing jerseys.

Proteas superstar Aiden Markram eagerly awaits his international return as part of the annual Pink Day match against Australia at the Wanderers stadium on Sunday. Markram had not played for Proteas since the T20 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in March, but on this day he will once again be in pink.

The 31-year-old player is expected to take a place in the Proteas squad instead of Ryan Rickelton, who was excused from the Sunday match for personal reasons. Before the second ODI, Markram stated in the media: 'Happy to be back. Yes, it's a little different. Firstly, because of the reason itself, and secondly, because there is always more buzz around Pink Day.'

He continued that from a player's perspective, it is pleasant to participate in such large events, but the primary focus is the cause itself. 'Many guys in our shirts, I am sure, just like the Australians, know that cancer is part of life, and the guys can share an understanding of what people go through. And when you can play for this cause, I think it's a great opportunity.'

The annual Pink Day match is a special day in the South African sporting calendar, providing Proteas Men with an opportunity to honor those battling breast cancer. After winning the first match of the series in Durban on Thursday, Proteas arrive in high spirits for Pink Day, as South Africa dresses up for a noble cause.

On Sunday, Proteas Men will launch the 'I Pitch Up in Pink For You' campaign, whereby every team member will take the field, replacing their surname on the back of the jersey with the name of a breast cancer fighter or survivor. For Proteas, pink means more than just the color of their uniform; it symbolizes every fighter, every survivor, and every loved one who stood by them.

Returning Proteas star player Aiden Markram was particularly delighted to return to international cricket as part of this famous match. For some members of the Proteas family, this connection holds a particularly personal significance. The mother of veteran batsman David Miller, Jenny, will be one of the honored survivors, and her name will be on her son's jersey.

Tasmin Brits from Proteas Women will also pay tribute to her mother, Zelden, on Sunday, and Aiden Markram will wear her name on his back. In South Africa, breast cancer affects not only women—1% of men suffer from this disease. Therefore, one of the jerseys will be dedicated to Simon, a male survivor whose name will proudly be displayed on Tristan Stubbs' back.

Each survivor will be mentioned during the broadcast on the day when not only cricket, but also the courage shown by many people is celebrated. For Temba Bavuma and his team, taking this stance and reiterating support for cricket for those facing personal battles is an integral part of the collective and inclusive spirit inherent in the Proteas dressing room.

Pink Day has become an important tradition for Cricket South Africa and the Wanderers stadium. Every year, fans fill 'The Bullring' with pink, not only celebrating the wide community but also supporting those who have survived and inspire others to fight breast cancer.

This match has also often showcased the best of Proteas on the field, with memorable innings, wickets, and victories over the years. After an exciting first ODI in Durban, Proteas hopes to conclude the series on the first attempt, demonstrating a game as beautiful as it is pink.

The list of players' names for Pink Day 2026 includes: Temba Bavuma (No. 11, Name: Agnes Munien), Corbin Bosch (37, Mbali Khoza), Matthew Britzke (35, Norma Mbali), Gerald Kotze (62, Maritsa Salinger), Quinton De Kock (12, Minke Maris), Tony De Zorzi (33, Charmaine de Witt), Bjorn Fortuin (77, Elsa-Marie Van der Lille), Duane Jansen (49, Lynn Zurdoki), Marco Jansen (70, Gwen Taban), Keshav Maharaja (16, Nono Zwan), Aiden Markram (4, Zelden Brits), David Miller (10, Jenny Miller), Nkobani Mokoena (21, Marlin Pretorius), Tristan Stubbs (30, Simon Hewitt) and Lizad Williams (6, Linah Mokoena).

Marco Yansen and Duane Yansen are the only pair of twins playing for the Proteas team. Although the series could have been decided earlier, the third ODI against Australia, scheduled for late this month in Potchefstroom, may hold special significance for these twins.

The city of Potchefstroom, located in the North West province, is dear to both brothers. They are the only twins who have ever represented the Proteas. The brothers were born just a 40-minute drive from there, in neighboring Clerksdorp, and attended Potchefstroom Gymnasium before debuting for the professional team NW Dragons.

The twins have played together only twice in top professional leagues, making their joint appearance for Proteas at the former JB Marks Oval even more meaningful. Marco noted: 'Playing in any game for Proteas together would be special, but I think if it happens in Potch, it will be even more special.'

He continued that since they grew up near Potch and studied there, if such an opportunity arises, they will definitely take advantage of it and enjoy it to the fullest. Marco is a recognized international superstar, regularly playing in franchise leagues worldwide, and has already played 83 times for Proteas in various formats.

Meanwhile, Duane debuted on the international stage during a recent tour of Namibia. His participation in the upcoming ODI series, starting on Thursday at Kingsmead, was made possible due to a hamstring injury sustained by Otneil Bartman. However, Marco is confident that his identical twin, Duane, can handle the task against the Australians if needed.

Marco expressed pride in his brother, saying: 'I am very, very proud of him and very happy for him because I am obviously his brother. I know what he is capable of. I know what he can do.'

He added that Duane initially struggled early in his career, but now he has reached a point where everything is going well, he feels comfortable in his game, and he is confident in his abilities.

Duane's presence in the Proteas squad will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the psychological state of the team's leading all-rounder. Marco, being a family-oriented person who values time with loved ones, has recently had to sacrifice this due to his international commitments in franchise leagues, which have taken him to India (IPL), the USA (MLC), and Great Britain (The Hundred) in recent months.

He explained that constant travel and being away from home, family, and friends can be uncomfortable for anyone. Marco shared that he grew up in a family where they always gathered, had joint dinners, birthdays, weekends, and evenings, and that this causes a feeling of homesickness when you are away from home for two months or longer.

Marco will undoubtedly value playing international cricket on home soil the most. Since the third ODI against Pakistan shortly before Christmas in 2024, this lean left-arm fast bowler has played only two Tests and one T20I on South African soil in almost two years. This is why he highly valued the recent first-class match for Titans to adapt to local conditions and regain his rhythm.

Before this four-day match, he had only three days of preparation and felt insufficiently ready. However, he felt good during the game: his timing was good, his body was good. He noted that on the third day he bowled as if it were a 10-over session where he felt 100 percent. After this four-day match, he feels very good regarding rhythm and bowling.

All this positively affects Marco and Proteas, as the 27-year-old player prepares to lead the attack in the absence of stars like Kagiso Rabada and Lungisi Ngidi, as well as Bartman, on Thursday.