Simon Harmer called up to South Africa Test squad

 

Essex spinner Simon Harmer has been named in the 17-man South Africa squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.

The 32-year-old last featured for South Africa in 2015, during their tour of India, and in the 5 Test matches he’s played to date, he’s taken 20 wickets at an average of 29.40.

Harmer has been instrumental to Essex’s success since making the move to Chelmsford in 2017, leading the team to a maiden T20 title and playing a part in four red-ball titles.

During that period he’s taken 308 first-class wickets for Essex at an average of 20.19 and has claimed numerous awards, including the PCA Overall MVP for three successive years (2019, 2020, 2021).

Victor Mpitsang, CSA Convenor of Selectors, said: “The inclusions of Simon (Harmer) and Lutho (Sipamla) reaffirm our intentions, as a panel, to reward excellence on the field and the pair have let their work speak on their behalf this past season.”

South Africa Test fixtures:

New Zealand v South Africa: 17 – 21 February
New Zealand v South Africa: 25 February – 01 March