Simon Harmer spins South Africa to historic Test and series victory over Australia.
Australia were no match for Simon Harmer as the off-spinner claimed a ten-wicket haul to guide South Africa to a famous Test and series victory.
Simon Harmer once again shone on the international stage as an outstanding bowling display from the off-spinner guided South Africa to a historic Test victory over Australia in the final match of the series at Newlands in Cape Town.
With Australia winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, Harmer's first involvement in the deciding Test would be with the bat.
However, the 37-year-old was hardly given the opportunity to add to his side's total as Mitchel Starc went bang, bang, bang to dismiss three of his teammates, leaving Harmer stranded on 0 not out. South Africa's late collapse saw them lose their final four wickets after being 327/6 in the 81st over, eventually being bowled out after 82.3 overs.
Harmer picked up where he left off in the previous two Test matches against Australia, claiming first innings figures of 4-104 from 37 overs and spearheading the Proteas' bowling attack with another impressive haul of wickets. The off-spinner dismissed opener Travis Head (bowled), number three Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (caught behind) and wicketkeeper Alex Carey. 2026 Essex Men's overseas signing Wiaan Mulder also claimed figures of 1-63 from 21 overs, dismissing Nathan Lyon, who was caught by Harmer.
On his second opportunity with the bat in the match, Harmer was bowled for just one run from three deliveries by fellow off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
However, Mulder produced a knock which could arguably have turned the tide of the Test match, scoring a century alongside Proteas wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton. Before Rickelton was run out, he had scored 101 from 219 deliveries, while Mulder contributed 115 from 221 balls before being dismissed by Australian captain Pat Cummins. Mulder's innings included 10 fours and four sixes.
Following South Africa's fightback on the penultimate day, posting 387 all out, Australia were set a target of 288 to win on Day 5.
The spin king, wizard or whatever adjective accurately describes one of the finest spin bowlers in the modern game finally had his opportunity to showcase his extraordinary talent on the world stage against one the best teams in international cricket.
Harmer produced quite simply ridiculous figures of 6-16 from 21.1 overs, including 14 maidens at an economy rate of just 0.76, to rip through the Australian batting line-up and put his side on the brink of a memorable match and series victory. In a masterclass of off-spin bowling, Harmer claimed the wickets of Cameron Green (bowled), Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (LBW) and Josh Hazelwood (bowled).
Australia, having been reduced to 1/1 from just the third ball of their innings, were eventually bowled out for 111, meaning South Africa secured a historic 176-run victory and the series win.
South Africa now take the top spot in the ICC Men's Test Team rankings. Australia fall to second place. The Proteas will now turn their attention to a Test series against Bangladesh, which will feature both Simon Harmer and Wiaan Mulder.
