Dale Steyn lauded Marco Jansen after the South African all-rounder dominated Australia in the second Test at Gqeberha. Jansen played an important innings with the bat, sharing a key partnership with Temba Bavuma before bowling a sensational spell.

Jansen amassed 85 runs to help the Proteas recover from a tricky position and posted 425 for 9 before declaring the innings. Bavuma accumulated 179 for the host nation, while spinner Simon Harmer managed 82. Jansen picked up five wickets in the first innings as Australia were dismissed for 99 and South Africa enforced a follow-on, putting the visitors under pressure.

Legendary South African fast bowler Steyn was impressed by Jansen’s all-round display and labelled him as the best cricketer in the world.

“Marco Jansen is currently the best cricketer in the world,” Steyn wrote.

South Africa were 110 for six at one stage, and there was a possibility of Australia restricting them below the 200-run mark. Jansen joined Bavuma in the middle and faced 100 deliveries for his 85 runs. He shifted the momentum with his aggressive batting, smashing nine fours and three sixes. The 132-run stand between Bavuma and Jansen was a record partnership for South Africa at St George’s Park.

Bavuma allowed Jansen to go after the rival bowlers as the pair rescued the team from a difficult position. After Jansen was dismissed, Bavuma added important runs with Harmer as the team recorded a strong total.

Jansen didn’t allow the Aussie batters to settle down and dismantled the batting line-up, with the visiting team not even crossing the 100-run mark. In 11 overs, Jansen conceded 33 runs for 5 wickets, getting rid of Travis Head, Scott Boland, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey and Beau Webster.

Australia have never won a Test after being asked to follow on, with 29 losses and 11 draws in 40 red-ball games. Jansen is the front-runner to win the Player of the Match alongside his leader Bavuma, whose hundred led to South Africa’s recovery.