Marco Jansen has been named the ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year.
It is the culmination of a remarkable 12 months for the 22-year-old Proteas all-rounder.
Jansen was named the top upcoming player in the international game ahead of New Zealand’s Finn Allen, Arshdeep Singh of India and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran.
It has been an incredible rise for Jansen, who just over a year ago was yet to play for South Africa.
The 2.09m-tall left-armer has become an integral part of the Proteas set-up where he has featured in 12 matches across all formats.
Klerksdorp-born Jansen has been particularly influential in the Test arena where he played eight matches and captured 36 wickets, second only to South Africa’s spearhead, Kagiso Rabada (47).
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“I am lost for words right now after what I think has been a dream year for me,” Jansen said.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined taking 36 wickets and playing eight Test matches for the Proteas in my first year of international cricket.
“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.”
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Jansen’s Test wickets came at an average of 19.02 with the paceman bagging two four-wicket hauls and one five-for (5-35), which came at The Oval in London.
He also recorded a maiden half-century (59) against Australia in Melbourne. Overall, he accumulated 234 runs in his 13 innings over the past year.
“Those are the two performances that really stand out for me,” Jansen said. “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.”
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Jansen also played three ODIs and a solitary T20I as he continues to establish himself in the limited-overs set-up.
And despite his stellar year, the rising young star is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
“Whatever sport you play, it is about longevity,” he 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.”
