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Marco Jansen Becomes No. 1 Test All-Rounder, Overtakes Jadeja

28 OCT 2026
04:09 PM
Marco Jansen Becomes No. 1 Test All-Rounder, Overtakes Jadeja

South Africa’s Marco Jansen has reached the top of the ICC Test all-rounder rankings, ending Ravindra Jadeja’s long-standing position at No. 1. The development marks another significant milestone in Jansen’s rise as one of South Africa’s most influential players in Test cricket.

Jansen has established himself as a valuable all-round option through his ability to deliver with both bat and ball. His left-arm pace, bounce and ability to extract movement make him a difficult proposition for opposition batters, while his lower-order batting provides South Africa with additional depth.

Jadeja, meanwhile, has been one of the most consistent all-rounders in the longest format. The Indian star’s contributions with left-arm spin, reliable batting and exceptional fielding have made him a key figure in India’s Test side for years. His lengthy spell at the top of the rankings underlines the consistency he has maintained across different conditions and opponents.

Marco Jansen’s Rise in Test Cricket

Jansen’s progress reflects the growing importance of his all-round contribution to South Africa. Standing tall and generating steep bounce, he offers a different challenge to batters, particularly on surfaces that provide assistance to fast bowlers. His batting has also developed into an important asset, allowing him to contribute valuable runs lower down the order.

The rankings milestone adds to Jansen’s growing reputation on the international stage. For South Africa, having a player capable of influencing matches in both disciplines provides greater balance and flexibility when selecting the Test team.

Two Major Rankings Achievements

Jansen’s rise to the top of the Test all-rounder rankings adds to his standing among the leading performers in the format. He has also been reported as the No. 1 Test bowler, putting him at the summit of two major individual categories.

For Jadeja, losing the top all-rounder position does not diminish his achievements or his importance to Indian cricket. His record of sustained excellence has set a high standard, and the rankings change highlights the competition among the world’s leading Test performers.

Jansen’s latest achievement represents a major moment for South African cricket and another step forward in his international career.

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About the Author

Israil Katamgari

Israel Katamgari is a cricket writer at CricRadar and a software professional at Wipro. He holds a B.Tech degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Mohan Babu University. Over the past year, he has contributed cricket articles to CricRadar, covering match reports, cricket news, and developments across the sport. His work combines an engineering background with a professional interest in cricket journalism.

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