Simon Harmer etched his name in South African cricket history with a career-best effort against Australia, breaking Dale Steyn’s record for the highest individual score by a South African No. 9 or lower against the visitors.
Harmer scored 82 in South Africa’s first innings on Day 3 of the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Tuesday, surpassing Steyn’s previous record of 76, made in Melbourne in 2008.
The off-spinner struck 10 fours and a six in his 91-ball innings, providing crucial support to skipper
Temba Bavuma as South Africa recovered from 110-6 to declare at 425-9.
Harmer’s maiden Test half-century came at a pivotal stage after Australia had put the hosts under pressure. Bavuma and Marco Jansen had already combined for a 132-run stand for the seventh wicket before Jansen fell for 85.
Harmer then joined Bavuma to add 183 runs for the eighth wicket, putting South Africa firmly back in control. It was the second-highest partnership for the eighth wicket or lower in South African Test history, behind Mark Boucher and Pat Symcox’s 195-run stand against Pakistan in Johannesburg in 1998.
The partnership also moved past the 180-run stand between JP Duminy and Steyn against Australia in Melbourne in 2008, underlining the significance of Harmer’s contribution.
Bavuma remained unbeaten on 179, his highest Test score, after facing 334 deliveries and hitting 18 fours and a six. He had walked in with South Africa at 12-2 on the opening day and held the innings together through multiple batting collapses.
Harmer’s innings ended when he was bowled by Marnus Labuschagne, leaving him short of a maiden Test century. South Africa declared soon after Bavuma was dismissed by Mitchell Starc.
Australia were 3-1 at stumps after
Kagiso Rabada dismissed Nic Maddinson for a four-ball duck late in the day.
Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs and lead the three-match series 1-0.