Jansen enjoyed an exceptional month in international cricket, making valuable contributions with both bat and ball during South Africa’s three-Test series against Australia.

The left-arm fast bowler scored 198 runs and claimed 13 wickets, with his performance in the second Test in Gqeberha proving particularly influential. Jansen produced a match-winning display, scoring a crucial 85 runs before returning figures of 5/33 and 1/34 with the ball.

Marco Jansen and Scott Boland - Cricinfo

His performances not only helped the Proteas secure an important series victory but also propelled him to the top of the ICC Men’s Test Bowling and All-rounder Rankings.

The 26-year-old became the first South African bowler since Kagiso Rabada in 2024 to reach the summit of the Test bowling rankings. He also became the first South African to top the Test all-rounder rankings since Vernon Philander achieved the feat in August 2014.

Jansen received the monthly accolade ahead of Pakistan's Arafat Minhas and West Indies captain Shai Hope, who were also nominated following impressive performances during October.

Reflecting on the achievement, Jansen described the award as a special moment in his career, particularly after what he considered one of his most memorable series.

“Winning the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award is a great honour for me, particularly after such a competitive series against Australia. It was one of the most memorable series of my career, and being able to contribute to the team’s success made it even more special,” he said.

The Proteas all-rounder also acknowledged the role played by his teammates and the support staff, stressing that individual recognition was secondary to the team's success.

South Africa will now look to build on their recent momentum as they continue their push towards next year's ICC World Test Championship Final.

Meanwhile, India's Deepti Sharma secured the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award after an impressive series against Zimbabwe, where she made her presence felt in both the ODI and T20I formats.

During India's 3-0 ODI series triumph, Sharma scored an unbeaten 106 in her only innings with the bat. She also claimed five wickets at an economy rate of 3.42, underlining her value as one of India's most dependable all-rounders.

Deepti Sharma - Cricinfo

She continued her excellent form in the T20I series, contributing a brisk 49 off just 37 deliveries with the bat and picking up another two wickets with her off-spin.

The award is Sharma's second ICC Women's Player of the Month honour, having previously received the recognition in December 2023.

She finished ahead of Bangladesh's Sobhana Mostary and Australia's Annabel Sutherland, who were also shortlisted for the October award.

Jansen will be in action again from Sunday when the Proteas face Bangladesh in Johannesburg in the 1st Test. The first ball at the Wanderers is set to be bowled at 10:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport