Jacques Kallis Praises Simon Harmer's Impact Ahead of SA20 Season 4
Kallis Highlights Harmer's Value for Upcoming SA20 Season
In a recent discussion, renowned South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis expressed his enthusiasm for spinner Simon Harmer's impressive performances against India. Kallis believes that if Harmer is selected during the auction for the fourth season of SA20, he will significantly enhance the team that acquires him.
As the anticipation builds for SA20 Season 4, Kallis provided valuable insights into team dynamics, standout players, and pivotal storylines shaping the season during a special session with Indian media, organized by SA20. Although Harmer went unsold in the auction, his remarkable contribution in South Africa's first series victory in India in 25 years positions him as a reliable option for any franchise needing a replacement.
"He brings a wealth of experience. He has been around for quite some time, excelling in county cricket and now performing exceptionally well for South Africa. Any team that secures him will gain immense value. His contributions extend beyond bowling; he can also add depth with the bat. His experience will be crucial, and I am confident he will play a significant role for the team, both on and off the field. He has stepped up at a crucial time, especially with major tournaments on the horizon," Kallis remarked.
Harmer, who previously won the SA20 title with Sunrisers Eastern Cape, has participated in 24 SA20 matches for SEC and Durban Super Giants (DSG), claiming nine wickets.
Since making his international debut in 2015, Harmer has played 14 Tests for South Africa, taking 69 wickets at an impressive average of 21.69, with his best figures being 6/37. This year alone, he has achieved 30 wickets in four Tests at an average of 14.30, including both of his career's five-wicket hauls.
At 36 years old, Harmer boasts an impressive record of 1,017 wickets in 236 first-class matches, averaging 26.05, with best figures of 9/80, including 59 five-wicket hauls and 14 ten-wicket hauls. He ranks as the second-highest wicket-taker for Essex and is a celebrated figure in the England county cricket scene, having taken 513 wickets in 116 matches at an average of 23.09.
Following the Proteas' clean sweep against India, Harmer made history by surpassing pace legend Dale Steyn to become South Africa's leading wicket-taker in Test cricket on Indian soil. He eclipsed Steyn's record of 26 wickets, establishing himself as the most successful bowler for South Africa in Tests played in India. In four matches, Harmer emerged as the standout bowler for the Proteas, taking 27 wickets at an exceptional average of 15.03 and a strike rate of 36.1. Among 109 bowlers with at least 20 Test wickets in India, Harmer holds the best average and strike rate.
During the recent tour to India, Harmer was the top wicket-taker in two Tests, securing 17 wickets at an average of 8.94, which included two four-wicket hauls and one six-wicket haul.