Marco Jansen Reflects on Dale Steyn's Praise and His Role in South Africa's Test Match

In a recent match against Australia, South African all-rounder Marco Jansen received high praise from cricket legend Dale Steyn, who called him the 'best cricketer in the world.' Jansen's impressive performance, including a score of 85 and a five-wicket haul, has been crucial in positioning South Africa for a potential victory. He reflects on his aspirations as a player and the importance of resilience in Test cricket, emphasizing the need for consistency and strategic decision-making. As the final day approaches, Jansen remains focused on leading his team to success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 22, 2026, 10:44 IST

Jansen's Response to Steyn's Compliment

South African all-rounder Marco Jansen expressed his gratitude for the compliment from legendary cricketer Dale Steyn, who referred to him as the 'best cricketer in the world.' Jansen acknowledged that such remarks are uplifting and often reflect on the type of player he aspires to be. His significant contributions have been pivotal in placing South Africa in a commanding position during the second ICC World Test Championship match against Australia in Gqeberha. Jansen scored an impressive 85 runs and took five wickets, leaving the Proteas just six wickets shy of leveling the series at St George's Park.

Key Contributions in the Match

Jansen's performance, alongside captain Temba Bavuma's 179 runs and Simon Harmer's 82, propelled South Africa to a total of 425/9 declared in their first innings. Subsequently, they bowled out Australia for a mere 99 runs on day four. With Australia facing a follow-on and needing six wickets to avoid defeat, Jansen's efforts have revitalized a Test match that was hampered by rain during the initial two days. Steyn's endorsement of Jansen as the best cricketer is further validated by the fact that only India's Ravindra Jadeja ranks higher than him in the current ICC Men's Test All-Rounder Rankings.

Jansen's Aspirations as a Player

Reflecting on Steyn's praise, Jansen stated, 'It is nice to hear those comments.' He admitted to pondering deeply about his cricketing journey late at night, contemplating how he wants to perform and the kind of cricketer he aims to become. 'At the end of the day, I just want to be a player the team can lean on, especially in tough situations,' he added.

The Importance of Resilience in Test Cricket

As the Proteas require just six wickets for victory on the final day, Jansen remains aware of the challenge posed by Australia's opener Travis Head, who is currently unbeaten on 87 runs, along with formidable players like Steve Smith and Alex Carey yet to bat. Jansen emphasized, 'Test cricket is all about resilience and consistency. It's easy for the game to slip away, so we must focus on doing the right things for as long as possible.' He concluded by stating that resilience is not only about facing adversity but also about making sound decisions and adhering to a strategy. 'Test cricket tests every aspect of you, and you must have the mindset to keep coming back, no matter what,' he remarked.

Conclusion

(Source: News Media)