Simon Harmer has etched his name deeper into Essex Cricket history after surpassing 500 first-class wickets for the Club.
The South African off-spinner claimed his 500th first-class wicket for Essex against Hampshire on June 24, dismissing Indian batter Tilak Varma, with the help of fellow South African Dean Elgar, who took the catch at first slip.
Harmer joins an elite group of county legends and follows Essex teammate Jamie Porter who reached the same milestone last year.
Since joining Essex in 2017 as a Kolpak player, Harmer has been a revelation, taking 72 wickets at an average of 19.19 in his debut season, which helped the Club clinch the Division One title.
That same year, Harmer recorded his career-best innings figures of 9-95 and match figures of 14-172 against Middlesex.
Harmer’s consistency has been nothing short of remarkable. He has taken over 50 wickets in every full season and was named County Championship Player of the Year in 2019 – the only non-English bowler to earn that honour.
In 2019, Harmer also captained Essex to Vitality Blast glory, securing a historic double as the Club became the first to win both the T20 Blast and the County Championship in the same season.
Now sitting on 972 first-class wickets in total, it would surprise few if Simon Harmer soon joins the exclusive 1000 wicket club. Harmer’s incredible total comes from 226 matches, with a bowling average of 26.36 and 57 five-wicket hauls.
Reaching 500 first-class wickets for Essex is more than just a milestone; it symbolises Harmer’s resilience, perseverance, and exceptional skill, not just in holding up an end, but in breaking key partnerships, turning games on their head, and delivering countless match-winning moments for Essex Cricket.
