Jansen was named Player of the Series after taking 13 wickets and scoring 198 runs as South Africa fought back from losing the opening Test to secure a 2-1 series victory.

Speaking on the Fast Bowling Cartel podcast, Gillespie praised the left-arm quick’s ability to adapt his bowling to different conditions and situations.

“He bowled beautifully. He swung the new ball and he got a little bit of tail with the old ball as well,” Gillespie said.

“He could bowl bounce as a plan. He could dry it up outside off stump. He could attack the stumps.”

Gillespie was particularly impressed by Jansen’s contribution with the bat during the second Test in Gqeberha, where his partnership with captain Temba Bavuma helped turn the match in South Africa’s favour.

“His batting changed the complexion of the Test match in St George’s Park as well, in that partnership with his captain Temba Bavuma.”

Gillespie agreed with fellow former Australian quick Damien Fleming’s description of Jansen as a superstar.

“You’re right, the superstar is a very appropriate word for Marco Jansen. He is a very, very good cricketer.”

Glenn McGrath was equally impressed with the 26-year-old’s batting ability.

“For someone as tall as him with a bat, he plays his shots. He backs himself, doesn’t he? And he’s got all the shots,” McGrath said.

Jansen’s performances played a key role in South Africa reclaiming the No 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time since 2016.

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images