Kolkata Test: Simon Harmer decimates India with four-wicket haul
What's the story
South Africa's star off-spinner Simon Harmer wreaked havoc on India's batting lineup in the second innings of the ongoing opening Test match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. His four-wicket haul helped South Africa dismiss India for a mere 189 runs, restricting the home team's lead to just 30 runs on a challenging pitch. Notably, this was his sixth four-fer in Tests. Here we look at his stats.
Spell
A vital spell from Harmer
Harmer made the first strike on Day 2 by trapping Washington Sundar (29). He later did not let Ravindra Jadeja (27) and Dhruv Jurel (14) convert their starts. Axar Patel (16) was his final victim as India posted 189/10, responding to SA's first innings score of 159/10. Notably, India's batting woes were further compounded by skipper Shubman Gill's absence due to a neck spasm. He was retired hurt after scoring four runs and did not return to the field thereafter.
Stats
56 wickets in Test cricket
Harmer finished his spell with 4/30 from 15.2 overs. Playing his 13th Test, Harmer has raced to 56 wickets at an average of 24.67. While this was his sixth Test four-fer, he also owns a solitary fifer. A veteran of First-Class cricket, Harmer has raced to a whopping 1,004 wickets from 235 games at 26-plus (4W: 50, 5W: 58).
Information
13 wickets in recent Pakistan series
Harmer played a vital role in helping SA secure a 1-1 draw in the recent away Test series against Pakistan. He claimed 13 wickets from two Tests at 21.30. 30 of his wickets have come in Asia at 24.73.
Information
Three wickets for Jansen as well
Fast bowler Marco Jansen also bowled a vital spell - 3/35 from 15 overs. Playing his 20th Test, he has raced to 80 wickets at an average of 22.42. He has been sensational against India, scalping 27 wickets at 17.77. Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj got one wicket apiece.