Now Reading: Marco Jansen Dethrones Ravindra Jadeja as World No.1 Test All-Rounder
-
01
Marco Jansen Dethrones Ravindra Jadeja as World No.1 Test All-Rounder
A new king sits atop Test cricket’s all-rounder charts. South Africa’s Marco Jansen has overtaken Ravindra Jadeja in the latest ICC Men’s Player Rankings, released on October 28, ending a reign that lasted more than four years. It is a first for the 26-year-old, and it arrived in style.
Jansen Takes the Crown
Jansen moved up one place to replace the Indian veteran, leading the Test all-rounder list for the first time in his career. He now holds 451 rating points.
The jump reflects his huge impact in South Africa’s win in the second Test of their World Test Championship series against Australia. That result levelled the three-match series at 1-1 and kept the contest alive.
A Match-Turning Double
Jansen delivered with both bat and ball in Gqeberha. He scored 85 runs, then took a five-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings that swung the match in his side’s favour.
That is precisely what an all-rounder is supposed to do, and doing it in a game with a series on the line makes it even more special.
Jansen Also Tops the Bowling Chart
The all-rounder ranking was not the only list to change. Jansen climbed five places in the bowling rankings and moved ahead of Australia’s Mitchell Starc to become the number one Test bowler.
He also gained 13 places in the batting list and now sits 56th. Those numbers show how valuable he is to South Africa as a complete player.
Jansen’s Ranking Jumps at a Glance
| Category | Movement | New Position |
|---|---|---|
| Test All-Rounders | Up 1 place | 1st (451 points) |
| Test Bowlers | Up 5 places | 1st |
| Test Batters | Up 13 places | 56th |
Bavuma and Harmer Also Rise
Jansen was not the only South African to benefit. Captain Temba Bavuma moved up four places to second in the Test batting rankings after being named Player of the Match against Australia.
Bavuma scored 179 in the first innings. Only England captain Harry Brook is now ahead of him in the batting list.
Harmer Surges Among All-Rounders
Spinner Simon Harmer was another major mover, rising 15 places to eighth among Test all-rounders. It is a strong sign of South Africa’s depth across departments.
| Player | List | Movement | New Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temba Bavuma | Test Batters | Up 4 places | 2nd |
| Simon Harmer | Test All-Rounders | Up 15 places | 8th |
Respect for Jadeja’s Long Reign
This should not be treated as a simple handover without acknowledging what Ravindra Jadeja achieved. Staying at number one for more than four years in a format as demanding as Test cricket is a rare feat.
He did it through constant contributions that often went unnoticed. That consistency is what made his reign so remarkable.
Jansen’s Climb Looks Built to Last
Jansen’s rise in the bowling table suggests his form is not a one-off. Reaching the top is one thing, though, and staying there is usually harder.
If he keeps performing the way he did in Gqeberha, the rankings will keep reflecting it.
What It Means for South Africa
South Africa now have a match-winner in two departments, a captain who is second among the world’s batters, and a spinner rising quickly. That is a strong base for a team in the World Test Championship.
With the series level at 1-1, the momentum and the rankings both point in the Proteas’ favour. All eyes now turn to whether Jansen can defend his new throne.
