Simon Harmer - South Africa - Bowler

Harmer, an all-rounder by nature, applies his trade for the Warriors in the first class arena. The right-hand batsman and right-arm off-break bowler had an astonishing debut for the Warriors. In the first innings, he picked up 5/98 and scored 46, while in the second he scalped 1/53 and scored an unbeaten 69.

He soon became a regular member of the side and in his first season as a full time player, Harmer racked up 44 wickets - the most by any bowler in the 2011-12 season. The offie continued to impress and was soon called to the national side. He got his first cap against the West Indies in the 2015 New Year's Test. His first wicket was Devon Smith and he ended with match figures of 7/153. His impress outing earned him a place for the Bangladesh tour in July 2015.

He was selected for the South Africa's tour of India too but that proved to be his last Test series for the Proteas. His last Test match in that series was at Nagpur, where he picked up five wickets in the match, 4 in the first innings. On a turner, South African team management probably expected more from him and he was replaced by Dane Piedt for the fourth Test match in Delhi.

After this series, selectors ignored him for the South Africa 'A' tour too and that is when Harmer decided to move to Essex on a Kolpak deal. He took to county cricket like fish to water and was an imperative member of the Essex squad that won their first county championship after 25 years. In that season, Harmer took 72 wickets at an average of 19.19, only to be superseded by Jamie Porter who took 75 wickets in that season.


By Varun Dixit