It started with a quiet message that would change the course of the South African spin department. After the Test World Cup final, Simon Harmer – long considered a forgotten figure in the national set-up – reached out to captain Tembo Bavuma. The 36-year-old off-spinner, who has spent years plying his trade in county cricket and dominating the domestic scene, said Bavuma still wants to play for South Africa.
“Simon called after the Test Championship final and said he was still available to play South African cricket,” Bavuma wrote in his column for ESPNCricinfo. “He expressed that it’s still his goal and that was exciting to hear.
Things moved quickly from there. Bavuma spoke to head coach Shukri Conrad and within months Harmer was back in the squad – seven years after he last wore a Proteas cap. “I spoke to the coach to get him involved again,” Bavuma said. “I’m glad he’s back in the fold.
Harmer’s comeback began in Durban in March 2022 against Bangladesh, where he took seven wickets back in his first Test. It was a reminder of what South Africa lacked – a control bowler with sharp drift, guile and the ability to attack in long spells. Since this return, Harmer has played 11 Tests, adding to the consistency and stability of the South African bowling attack.
His career is now over. Since his debut and an Tour of India in 2015 until his last appearance against Pakistan in October 2025, Harmer was the picture of endurance. In this Rawalpindi Test, he achieved a rare milestone – his 1000th first-class wicket, underlining his endurance and excellence in red-ball cricket.
Looking ahead, Bavuma believes Harmer’s comeback is more than just a comeback; it is part of a larger plan to strengthen South Africa’s spin arsenal. “The partnership between Simon and Kesh (Maharaj) is going to be formidable, especially in sub-continental conditions,” Bavuma said. “I also like the competitiveness between them.
With Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj and even Aiden Markram offering support options, South Africa’s spin depth looks richer than in recent years.
For Harmer, the return is a reward for patience and perseverance. It was just a simple conversation for Bavuma – but one that relaunched a career and perhaps even reshaped South Africa’s future in Test cricket.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
October 28, 2025
