Cricket South Africa
Young Proteas, Warriors and Sunrisers Eastern Cape all-rounder Marco Jansen has been named the ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year.
The 22-year-old was on Wednesday named the top upcoming player in the international game ahead of New Zealand's Finn Allen, Arshdeep Singh of India and Afghanistan youngster Ibrahim Zadran.
As the 2023 calendar kicked in, the 2.09-meter-tall left-armer had become an integral part of the national set-up of the Proteas where he has featured in 12 matches across all three formats.
Klerksdorp-born Jansen has been particularly influential in the Test arena where he played eight matches and captured an outstanding 36 wickets, second only to South Africa's spearhead, Kagiso Rabada (47).
"I am lost for words right now after what I think has been a dream year for me," a delighted 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."
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 says.
"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."
