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Graham Smith believes Marco Jansen is the best all-rounder in Test matches
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Graham Smith believes Marco Jansen is the best all-rounder in Test matches

Former captain of Proteas team Graham Smith predicts that Marco Jansen will become the best all-round player in future Test matches.

During the second Test match against Australia, held at St George's Park, Jansen demonstrated outstanding play on the third day. When South Africa was in a difficult position at 110/6, Jansen came onto the field with his captain Temba Bavuma and made an impressive counter-attack.

This left-handed right-hander scored 85 runs in just 100 balls, participating in a partnership for 132 runs with Bavuma, which drastically changed the course of the game in favor of South Africa.

This is not the first time Jansen has made a significant contribution to Proteas in the lower order. Last year, during the second Test in Guwahati, he also scored a magnificent 93 runs, helping Proteas secure their first victory in a series against India in 20 years.

Furthermore, he is a deadly left-arm fast bowler who has already achieved four five-wicket hauls.

In his column for Betway, Smith stated: 'Marco Jansen is one of the most talented cricketers currently. He bowls very well and is capable of playing impactful innings in the lower or middle order for South Africa.'

He continued: 'I have no doubt that Jansen will become the best all-rounder in Test matches in the future. I believe his bowling and consistency are constantly improving. Everything is starting to develop, and he is also beginning to take key Test wickets, getting strong players out.'

Adding that they have seen his skills grow in all formats, Smith noted that he captained Proteas in a record 109 Test matches, including leading the team to the ICC Test World Cup in 2012. He believes Jansen could bring an extra 'X' factor to their teams.

'When I think about the teams I played in, having Marco Jansen at number seven or eight would have been ideal for us,' he said. 'He takes charge of the game and has a pleasing style of play.'

After Jansen fulfilled his batting duty in the first innings, Proteas now hopes he can achieve a similar result with the ball while Australia continues to bat, replying to the hosts' 425/9, starting at 3/1.

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Marco Jansen becomes a key figure in the game as Proteas heavily pressures Australia
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Marco Jansen becomes a key figure in the game as Proteas heavily pressures Australia

The fourth day of the match at St George's Park proved tense and action-packed, during which the Proteas team completely dominated, forcing Australia to fight for survival with a score of 156/4 in the second innings (trailing by 170 runs) after having to agree to a follow-on.

Marco Jansen demonstrated his mastery, concluding the rout of the Australian team in the first innings. In addition to previously distinguishing himself with a wrist shot, scoring 85 runs, Jansen led the South African team's attack with the ball.

This left-arm fast bowler took 5/33 in Australia's first innings, dismantling the opposition's middle order through relentless pace and sharp bounce. In his morning session, he removed the dangerous Travis Head, and then before lunch, twice in three balls, dismissed the dangerous Matt Renshaw and Alex Carey.

Holding a huge advantage of 326 runs after Proteas finished destroying Australia's last four wickets for only 30 runs after lunch, Temba Bavuma insisted on a follow-on without hesitation. Kagiso Rabada marked the milestone by taking his 200th Test wicket on home soil in Australia's first innings when he dismissed Mitchell Starc. While Wiaan Mulder helped the team by taking two crucial wickets, including a major success against Steve Smith for 28 runs shortly after the former Australian captain surpassed 11,000 Test runs.

The day was not without losses for both teams. Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje felt pain in his groin in the fourth over of the morning session and could not continue bowling for the day, which was a serious blow to South Africa's workload management. Meanwhile, the Australian batting lineup was changed in the second innings as Steve Smith dropped down the order due to constant neck strain that prevented him from playing in his usual fourth position.

Australia faced difficulties at the start of the second innings when Rabada dismissed Nick Maddinson for 8 runs. However, Travis Head (87*) and Marnus Labuschagne (39) showed commendable resilience, building a solid partnership of 92 runs to slow down the Proteas. Head helped Australia resist throughout the day and evening, scoring a half-century in the struggle and counter-attacking under the darkening sky and strong wind.

Just when it seemed Australia was ready to bat all day, the South African bowlers delivered decisive blows before sunset. Off-spinner Simon Harmer broke up a dangerous partnership by dismissing Labuschagne, and later caught Bo Bubster on a legitimate delivery for 8 runs. Meanwhile, Rabada returned to bowl against Matt Renshaw, who scored 11 runs. When Australia approached 156/4, still trailing by 170 runs, and night watchman Scott Boland prepared to continue the game on Thursday morning with Head.

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