CRICKET: Marco Jansen – all-action hero in all formats stands tall for Proteas
His all-round ability keeps improving and it’s rare among his generation of SA cricketers.
Marco Jansen has emerged as a crucial all-action hero in all formats for the South African cricket team, the Proteas. His impressive all-round ability has been a key contributor to the team's success, particularly in the One-Day International (ODI) series win against reigning world champions Australia on September 27.
Jansen, who stands at 2.06 meters tall, has quickly evolved into one of the most indispensable members of the Proteas team. He has proven himself to be a vital player in all three formats of the game. Proteas coach Shukri Conrad has often highlighted Jansen's importance to the team, stating that he is "a fantastic all-format player who balances our side."
The Proteas' coach has been closely involved in nurturing Jansen's potential. After Rob Walter left the Proteas coaching ranks in 2022, Conrad has taken over the responsibility of shaping Jansen and his teammates in all formats. With Jansen only 26 years old and still far from reaching his full potential, Conrad and his coaching staff have the opportunity to develop him into one of the greatest all-rounders the country has ever produced.
Since the Proteas' first two ODIs against Australia, comparisons have been drawn between Jansen and the legendary Jacques Kallis, who is considered the greatest all-rounder South Africa has ever produced. However, such comparisons are likely to remain just that - comparisons. The talent pipeline in South Africa for players with Jansen's all-action skills has dried up, making his growth and development all the more exciting for cricket fans.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
