South Africa rising star Marco Jansen named ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year

The 22-year-old Jansen made his Test debut against India in Centurion on Boxing Day 2021 and has cemented himself in the national side in the longest format. The lanky seamer has taken 41 wickets in 10 Test matches at an average of just under 22, including a five-wicket haul against England at the Oval and hit a maiden fifty against Australia at the famous MCG. “I am lost for words right now after what I think has been a dream year for me,” a delighted Jansen said. “So to have achieved this feat, with the cherry on top of being named as the ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year, is unbelievable. “I am so grateful to everyone who made it possible for me to reach this point so early in my career.” He added: “Taking my first Test fifer against England at the Oval, and hitting my first Test half-century against Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. “To reach those milestones at two of the most historic venues for Test cricket, those are memories I will truly cherish forever.” In the other two formats, Jansen has played three one-day internationals and a solitary T20I as he continues to establish himself in the white-ball set-up. And despite his stellar year, the rising young star is keeping his feet firmly on the ground and is currently in the Proteas squad for the three-match ODI series against England, starting in Bloemfontein on Friday. “Whatever sport you play, it is about longevity,” Jansen said. “I am still a rookie in international cricket, and these were only the first steps of my journey. “I don’t want to be remembered just by this award, I want to become the best and to get there a lot of hard work lies ahead. “I am also still developing and hopefully with hard work and dedication in the months and years ahead, I will be able to reach my full potential and become a great ambassador for South African cricket. “For now I will enjoy the moment, but I look forward to building on my achievements of 2022 in 2023.”

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