That separates the all-rounder from the batter who sends down a few overs, or the bowler who can hang around at No 9.
The distinction separates true all-rounders from batters who send down a few overs or bowlers who can hang around at No 9.
The issue is not an absence of all-rounders, but the rarity of one who sustains elite contributions in both disciplines, leaving Jansen to show how many jobs one cricketer can do.
Cricket observers note that batting and bowling are each so difficult that doing both at an elite level feels like the truest measure of a cricketer.
Marco Jansen represents a great tradition in cricket, though sustaining elite contributions in both batting and bowling remains exceptionally rare at the highest level.
Designing an ideal all-rounder would result in a tall player with long limbs and a whiplash action to extract steep bounce.
Players mastering both disciplines are recognized as all-timers, yet the language of all-round greatness still favors the pace-bowling showman.
That preference might explain why Moeen Ali felt undervalued for most of his England career.
Jansen is still developing as a batter, but his 25.66 average before this current Test understates his potential.
You would make them tall, with long limbs and a whiplash action to extract steep bounce.