'He put his country first, didn't worry about IPL' - Ashwell Prince praises Marco Jansen for not 'backing down' against Jasprit Bumrah

The three-match Test series between India and South Africa saw a talented youngster showcase his skills to the world. With 19 wickets, Marco Jansen was one of the major reasons why the Proteas went on to win the series by 2-1.

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However, keeping his performances aside, one of the most intense moments of the series was when he and Jasprit Bumrah had a heated exchange of words. It is to be noted that the two of them played together for the Mumbai Indians in 2021 as well. Thus, this managed to impress Ashwell Prince.

The former South African opener praised Jansen for not “backing down” against the Indian pacer. He took to Twitter to speak about how the youngster prioritized his country, and didn't think about the Indian T20 league. He felt that this was how it should always be.

Sport is about competing: Ashwell Prince

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"One more thing I particularly enjoyed during #SAvIND series, the fact that #MarcoJansen didn’t back down once in the battle with Bumrah! He didn’t think about the IPL and how it might affect his relationships with people there. He put his country 1st, the way it should be," read Ashwell Prince's Tweet.

One more thing I particularly enjoyed during #SAvIND series, the fact that #MarcoJansen didn’t back down once in the battle with Bumrah! He didn’t think about the IPL and how it might affect his relationships with people there. He put his country 1st, the way it should be.

— Ashwell Prince (@ashyp_5) January 14, 2022

In another Tweet, he lauded Jansen, and said that he should continue to be like this. He also mentioned the fact that sports are about competing and not upholding the spirit of the game. Thus, several cricket fans agreed with him, and felt the competitiveness was good for the sport.

"Well done kid, don’t ever change. You be you and if people can’t respect you for being you, being competitive, putting your country 1st. That’s their problem. Sport is about competing, not giving an inch and upholding the spirit of the game. Not about bank balances. #lesson2youth," read his second Tweet. Thus, it wouldn't be an overstatement to say that Jansen has a bright future ahead of him.

Well done kid, don’t ever change. You be you and if people can’t respect you for being you, being competitive, putting your country 1st. That’s their problem. Sport is about competing, not giving an inch and upholding the spirit of the game. Not about bank balances. #lesson2youth

— Ashwell Prince (@ashyp_5) January 14, 2022