Test cricket is back as teams have been playing in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). Recently, fans saw an exciting South Africa vs Australia series, which the Proteas won 2-1 to become the No.1 team. Now, after the series, former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis has named the more valuable current Test player than Marco Jansen.

Despite the game having turned more towards T20 cricket, Test cricket has somewhat lost its charm; however, some fans turn up for five days to watch the traditional format of the game, as it still remains the ultimate format of the game. Temba Bavuma’s side showcased it after they came back from behind to win the series.

Faf du Plessis names current best Test player

While speaking to Cricinfo, Faf du Plessis was asked about a more valuable current Test player than Marco Jansen. The former Proteas captain snubbed some of the best Test players, including the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Mitchell Starc. The name he picked came as a surprise, as he picked Australia National Cricket Team captain Pat Cummins as the most valuable current Test player.

Faf found it extremely difficult to leave until... 👀 https://t.co/3rEJjI3dQT

— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) November 4, 2026

Faf, revealed that, on why he snubbed Harry Brook “Harry Brook's also a generational talent. But I'm just going to go on what he's got one skill, so I'm just going to base my decision-making on someone that's got multi-skill because I'm trying to explain it to myself as someone that offers you double, double skill.”

Why Marco Jansen is better than Joe Root?

When asked if Joe Root is better than Marco Jansen, he said “No, OK, no, this is ridiculous. Joe Root is the best. Yeah, but I'm just like, you're throwing like the greats of the game in here now.”

“And now he's saying, I mean, Marco is an incredible test cricketer, but I'm going, these guys are absolute bombs of cricketers. Like, can I find someone who can bowl and touch? So let's stick with Marco.”

Marco Jansen's recent form

Marco Jansen was the Player of the Series in the South Africa vs Australia 3-match Test series. He picked 10 wickets and scored 146 runs, as his runs came in at crucial times in the lower-middle order when the chips were down and the team was struggling. The all-rounder stitched an amazing partnership with captain Bavuma to pull his team up.

His 82-run innings in the second Test match and five-wicket haul helped the side recover from a tough situation and win the Test match by an innings. Marco Jansen, after his exceptional performance with the bat and ball, became the No.1 ICC Test-ranked bowler and also dethroned Ravindra Jadeja after four years to become the No.1 Test all-rounder.

Pat Cummins' recent form as captain

Pat Cummins has been one of the finest bowlers in Test match cricket. The Australia captain was the No.1 Test bowler for a long time and has been consistent with his performance.

However, in recent times, under his leadership, the side has failed to win Test matches at home as well, as they lost to Bangladesh despite having a full side. Yet again, Cummins’ side gave away a lead against South Africa after winning the first game.