Dale Steyn’s 18-year-old record falls as Simon Harmer scripts history against Australia

South Africa’s Simon Harmer (left) fist bumps with captain Temba Bavuma (AP Photo) Simon Harmer etched his name in South African cricket history with his career-best performance against Australia, breaking Dale Steyn’s record for the highest individual score by a South African No.9 or below against 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 from Melbourne in 2008.He also hit 10 fours and a six in his 91-ball innings, providing a vital boost to captain Temba Bavuma as South Africa recovered from 110-6 to declare on 425-9.Harmer’s maiden Test half-century came at a crucial stage after Australia had put the hosts under pressure. Bavuma and Marco Jansen had already put on 132 runs for the seventh wicket before Jansen fell on 85.Harmer then joined Bavuma and added 183 runs for the eighth wicket, putting South Africa firmly in control. It was the second-highest partnership for an eighth wicket or less in South African Test history, after Mark Boucher and Pat Symcox’s 195-run stand against Pakistan in Johannesburg in 1998.The partnership also surpassed JP Duminy and Steyn’s stand of 180 runs against Australia in Melbourne in 2008, underscoring the importance of Harmer’s contribution.Bavuma made 179, his highest Test score, after facing 334 deliveries and hitting 18 fours and a six. He entered South Africa at 12-2 on the opening day and held the innings together through several 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 to lead the three-match series 1–0.