The Potchefstroom-born Jansen was named Player of the Year just days after reaching the summit of the ICC Test bowling and all-rounder rankings. The towering left-armer made a significant contribution to the Proteas' 2-1 series triumph, scoring 198 runs across the three Tests and claiming 13 wickets.

The series got off to a difficult start for South Africa, with Australia taking a 1-0 lead following a comprehensive 214-run victory at Kingsmead in Durban. However, the Proteas bounced back in emphatic fashion, levelling the series with an innings-and-31-run victory in the rain-interrupted second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha.

The lanky former University of the Free State player admitted that the eventual series victory was anything but straightforward, with momentum swinging between the two sides throughout the contest.

“My debut series against India was definitely a first for me, but I think this series just edges it because of the way it unfolded,” said Jansen.

“It was tough, and there were so many ups and downs. Neither team had the upper hand for an extended period. There were times when I was sitting in the change room thinking we were right in the game, and then suddenly we would lose four wickets and I'd be wondering what was happening.

Marco Jansen after removing Scott Boland - Cricinfo

“That was the nature of the series. It happened throughout the first and second Tests, and again in this one.

“For me, this has definitely been one of the most enjoyable series, but also one of the toughest.”

Jansen added that putting Australia under pressure early in their second innings was crucial to South Africa's success in the deciding Test. However, patience and discipline were just as important as the Proteas looked to seize control of the contest.

“We didn't have too many discussions, just the usual conversations around our plans and making sure we didn't allow Australia to get too far ahead of us,” Jansen added.

“We knew from experience, having had to chase a total in the fourth innings before, that you can't necessarily win a Test match in the first session, but you can certainly lose it.

“We knew that if we remained patient and managed to pick up one or two early wickets, we would put ourselves in a good position for the rest of the day. That's exactly what happened. KG (Kagiso Rabada) getting two wickets in the first over and then another one shortly afterwards really set us up nicely.

“Then Harmy (Simon Harmer) came in and did his thing, taking a handful of wickets in the first innings. That gave us the confidence that if we simply stuck to our plans, we didn't have to go searching for anything extraordinary. I think we executed that really, really well.”

Marco Jansen scored 198 runs and took 13 wickets in the three-Test series - Cricinfo

There will be little time for the Proteas to celebrate their memorable series victory, with attention now shifting to another important assignment against Bangladesh.

South Africa will host the Tigers in a two-Test series, with the opening match scheduled to get underway on 15 November at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. The Proteas will be looking to carry their momentum into the next challenge as they continue their Test campaign.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport