Proteas legend Dale Steyn has hailed Marco Jansen as the best cricketer in the world following the all-rounder’s outstanding performance against Australia in Gqeberha.
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The former fast bowler took to X on Wednesday after Jansen followed up an attacking 85 with figures of 5-33 in the second Test at St George’s Park.
“Marco Jansen is currently the best cricketer in the world,” Steyn wrote.
Jansen had helped rescue South Africa from 110-6, striking nine fours and three sixes in his 100-ball innings.
He shared a 132-run seventh-wicket partnership with captain Temba Bavuma, who went on to score a career-best 179 as the Proteas declared on 425-9.
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Jansen then ripped through Australia’s batting line-up, claiming his fifth Test five-wicket haul as the tourists were dismissed for just 99 and forced to follow on.
Steyn later doubled down on his assessment when a supporter compared Jansen with England batter Harry Brook, who had also been described as the world’s best cricketer by former England captain Nasser Hussain.
“Harry don’t bowl,” Steyn replied, pointing to Jansen’s value as an all-rounder.
Jansen welcomed the praise but said his focus remained on becoming someone his teammates could depend on in difficult situations.
The 26-year-old also claimed the final wicket of the match on Thursday, dismissing Josh Hazlewood as South Africa completed an innings-and-31-run victory to level the series 1-1.
The teams meet in the series decider at Newlands on Tuesday.
Featured image: Gallo Images
Originally published by SA Cricket Magazine.
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