Essex Men's Simon Harmer starred for South Africa as they took control of the second Test against Australia at St George's Park in Gqeberha.
The 37-year-old all-rounder scored his maiden Test half-century, helping the Proteas recover from 242/7 to reach 425/9 declared alongside captain Temba Bavuma, with the pair sharing a mammoth game-changing partnership.
Harmer's 82 from 157 balls featured ten fours and one six before he was bowled by Marnus Labuschagne, capping an outstanding display of batting at number nine for his country.
South Africa then bowled Australia out for just 99, with Harmer opening the attack alongside Kagiso Rabada. A stunning one-handed diving catch at third slip from Harmer, a sight familiar to Essex supporters in the County Championship, saw Labuschagne dismissed. Wiaan Mulder, who joined Essex for the 2026 season, also impressed with figures of 2-14.
Forced to follow on, Australia faced another stern challenge from the South African attack. Harmer and Mulder continued to make vital contributions, claiming two and three wickets respectively as the hosts claimed victory by an innings and 31 runs.
