Ricky Ponting, one of cricket’s most respected voices and an ICC Hall of Famer, recently offered high praise for South Africa’s rising pace-bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen. Speaking during the ongoing World Test Championship Final, Ponting described Jansen as a rare mix of calm composure and fierce competitiveness, making him an invaluable asset to the Proteas setup.
Ponting, who has worked closely with Jansen in franchise cricket, noted how the young cricketer manages to remain composed in high-pressure situations while maintaining a fierce desire to outperform. “He’s very quiet, very laid back,” Ponting remarked, “but he’s also ultra-competitive.” This duality in personality—unflappable yet hungry—has made Jansen a standout player not only in South Africa’s current squad but also on the global stage.
Jansen’s performances in the Test arena have consistently shown why he is so highly rated. In the ongoing final at Lord’s, he played a pivotal role with the ball, unsettling established Australian batters with his bounce, accuracy, and control. Even after suffering a minor finger injury while fielding early in the match, Jansen returned to bowl with intensity and purpose, picking up crucial wickets, including that of Marnus Labuschagne, who had been looking increasingly settled.
What impressed Ponting the most was Jansen’s ability to execute under pressure, something the former Australian captain believes is essential at the highest level. He emphasized that Jansen’s mental strength—his ability to shut out noise and focus on execution—makes him an ideal fit for the longest format of the game. According to Ponting, Jansen possesses the tools to become one of the world’s leading Test all-rounders within a few years.
Their connection is more than just analyst and subject. Ponting coached Jansen during a recent IPL campaign, and the two formed a bond rooted in mentorship and mutual respect. Jansen has often spoken about how Ponting helped shift his mindset, especially in difficult moments. One of the key takeaways Jansen recalled was how Ponting always focused on what could go right, instead of highlighting potential pitfalls. That subtle yet powerful shift in perspective helped the young South African develop confidence and resilience.
Just before Jansen left for the Test final, Ponting jokingly wished him luck but added that he hoped Jansen’s team would lose—an affectionate jab that showed their close rapport. Jansen laughed it off but carried with him the lessons and belief instilled by his former coach.
The way Ponting speaks about Jansen isn’t just typical praise from a seasoned figure in the sport. It’s an acknowledgment of a player who combines raw physical talent with an evolving mental edge. Jansen is tall, strong, and accurate, but it’s his emotional stability and refusal to be rattled that make him stand out. In the cutthroat world of Test cricket, where every moment can swing the match, players like him are invaluable.
Ponting’s comments also serve as a forecast. He sees in Jansen not just a player of the present but a potential cornerstone of South African cricket’s future. As the Proteas continue their journey in international cricket, Marco Jansen is shaping up to be more than just a promising all-rounder—he’s becoming a symbol of balance between grace under pressure and unyielding drive.
With mentors like Ponting backing him and performances to match the hype, Marco Jansen is carving his name among the elite, quietly but surely.
For more news updates and videos, subscribe to 12B Sports India Youtube .