The Proteas currently find themselves in the jaws of defeat against England at The Oval ahead of the fifth and final day on Monday, with the hosts requiring just 33 runs to win with a wholesome 10 wickets in hand.

Marco Jansen, who’s played particularly well in this Test decider, having taken figures of 5/35 in the first innings, as well as having scored 30 with the bat – the highest in the order – is understandably aware that the team is up against it, despite their numerous efforts to make a breakthrough.

“Obviously we’re in a difficult situation,” Jansen said. “In the second innings the plan was just to keep it as tight as possible – to dry up the runs, create pressure and take wickets that way.

“But their guys obviously came out with a positive intent and they played well as well. We’re in a difficult position, but hopefully today we can make something out of it. That’s the plan.”

Despite a strong performance from the tall and lanky all-rounder during this Test, Jansen had erred in the second innings by dropping Alex Lees in the slips on the very first ball.

England’s opening pair went on to be wicket-less at stumps after 17 overs, scoring 97-0, with Lees on 32* and Zak Crawley 57*.

In spite of mishaps such as that, or misjudgments and misconceptions during the time-of-play, and where his side currently find themselves in terms of their gloomy chances, Jansen has not for a second questioned the effort put in by the Proteas players.

“Everyone in the team works hard; everyone is on the same track moving towards the same goal. We call it ‘climbing the ladder’. 

“Everyone is working hard behind the scenes – we’re putting inthe hours and work – and if someone thinks they have to work on a certain area in their game, which is everyone, they go and do it. 

“They take responsibility, whether it’s their batting or bowling or in the gym with their fitness. Everyone in the squad and management can see what hard work is going in, but unfortunately things haven’t gone our way.”

With South Africa clearly staring down the barrel ahead of day 5, Jansen emphasized their need to “just go out and take wickets”.

“Obviously we’re a bit on the back foot. We have to go out with an aggressive mindset I’d say, but still within our game plan and to go out and take wickets – whether it’s bowling fuller, tempting them to drive at the ball and hit them off.

“Thirty-three is not a lot, so we have to take wickets.”