Simon Harmer scripts records with twin four-fers in Kolkata Test
What's the story
Simon Harmer, the 36-year-old South African off-spinner, produced a brilliant spell of bowling in the opening Test match against India at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. His performance not only brought his team back into the game but also helped South Africa win their first Test match in India after 15 years. Harmer took twin four-wicket hauls in the match as India failed to accomplish the 124-run target. A look at his stats.
Bowling brilliance
Harmer's bowling precision and impact
Harmer's bowling was not just about the wickets but also his accuracy. On a pitch that was turning and bouncing, Harmer's skill proved decisive for South Africa. His four-fer on Day 2 meant India posted 189/10 while batting second, responding to SA's first innings score of 159/10. His second innings performance was equally impressive as he took another four wickets to ensure a memorable win for his side.
Career trajectory
Harmer's career journey and evolution
Harmer's career can be divided into three phases. He made his Test debut in 2015 but was dropped after playing just five Tests. In 2017, he signed a Kolpak deal with Essex and has consistently been among the County Championship's leading wicket-takers, topping the charts in several seasons.
International comeback
Harmer's international return and current form
Harmer's second stint with South Africa began in the COVID era (2022), but he only got chances when Keshav Maharaj, SA's first choice spinner, is unavailable or the team decided to field two specialist spinners. 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.
Stats
60 wickets in Test cricket
Harmer recorded figures worth 4/30 and 4/21 in the game. Playing his 13th Test, Harmer has raced to 60 wickets at an average of 23.38. Four of his seven Test four-fers have come across six innings on Indian soil. He also owns a solitary fifer. A veteran of First-Class cricket, Harmer has raced to a whopping 1,008 wickets from 235 games at 26-plus (4W: 51, 5W: 58).
DYK
Harmer only behind Dale Steyn
As per ESPNcricinfo, Harmer recorded the second-best match figures by an SA bowler in Tests in India (8/51 from 29.2 overs). He is only behind pace-bowling legend Dale Steyn, who claimed 10/108 in the 2010 Nagpur affair - the preceding Test that the Proteas team won in India. Lance Klusener and Paul Adams are the other SA bowlers to claim at least eight wickets in a Test in India.