South African cricket has another reason to celebrate after Marco Jansen achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the world’s No. 1 ranked Test bowler and all-rounder simultaneously.
The 26-year-old Proteas star climbed to the summit of both categories in the latest ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings released on Wednesday, 28 October, following his outstanding performances against Australia.
Jansen rose five places in the bowling rankings to dethrone Australia’s Mitchell Starc, while also overtaking India’s Ravindra Jadeja, ending the veteran all-rounder’s reign at the top of the rankings after more than four years.
It marks the first time Jansen has occupied either No. 1 position, cementing his status as one of the most complete cricketers in the world.
Jansen’s extraordinary achievement follows his match-winning contribution in South Africa’s dominant innings-and-31-run victory over Australia in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
With the Proteas under pressure at 110/6 in their first innings, the towering left-hander produced a crucial knock of 85, sharing a 132-run partnership with captain Temba Bavuma to rescue the hosts.
He then demonstrated his devastating ability with the ball, claiming 5/33 in Australia’s first innings before adding another wicket in the second as South Africa levelled the three-match series at 1-1.
Those performances propelled Jansen to 876 rating points in the Test bowling rankings and 451 points in the all-rounder standings. He also climbed 13 places to 56th in the Test batting rankings.
Up there with the greats 🤩👏
Marco Jansen has 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Test wickets for the @ProteasMenCSA 🇿🇦💥
Jansen becomes the first South African to top the ICC Test bowling rankings since Kagiso Rabada in November 2024, and the first Proteas player to lead the Test all-rounder standings since Vernon Philander in August 2014.
His achievement also vindicates former Proteas fast-bowling great Dale Steyn, who recently described Jansen as the best cricketer in the world following his remarkable performances against Australia.
And Jansen isn’t the only South African making waves in the latest rankings.
Captain Bavuma climbed four places to a career-best second in the Test batting rankings following his magnificent 179 in Gqeberha, leaving him behind only England’s Harry Brook.
With South Africa preparing for the decisive third Test against Australia at Newlands, Jansen’s emergence as the world’s leading Test bowler and all-rounder provides another major boost for the Proteas.
For a player still only 26 years old, the achievement represents a remarkable milestone in a career that continues to reach new heights.
Two world No. 1 rankings. One Marco Jansen. South African cricket has a truly special talent on its hands.
Lwanele is the Content Manager for BetJets News and has dedicated six years to creating top-notch sports betting content for major bookmakers, establishing himself as a trusted source for betting advice. As the resident tipster for TAB’s popular TV show Racing Today, he specialises in cricket, MMA, and soccer betting. Known for his keen analysis and practical tips, Lwanele provides BetJets readers with the tools they need to approach betting with confidence and strategy.
