Simon Harmer’s Four-Wicket Haul Thrills South Africa in Kolkata Test

South Africa’s off-spinner Simon Harmer delivered a stunning performance during the second innings of the opening Test match against India at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Harmer took four wickets, leading to India’s dismissal for just 189 runs. This achievement significantly reduced India’s lead to a mere 30 runs on a challenging pitch, marking Harmer’s sixth four-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Harmer made a crucial impact early on Day 2 by removing Washington Sundar for 29 runs. He continued his attack by dismissing Ravindra Jadeja (27) and Dhruv Jurel (14), both of whom were unable to convert their starts into substantial scores. Axar Patel (16) became Harmer’s final victim, as India struggled to respond to South Africa’s first innings total of 159.

The absence of India’s captain, Shubman Gill, due to a neck spasm further exacerbated the team’s batting issues. Gill retired hurt after scoring just four runs and did not return to the field. Harmer concluded his remarkable bowling spell with figures of 4/30 from 15.2 overs.

As he played his 13th Test, Harmer has swiftly accumulated 56 wickets at an impressive average of 24.67. Alongside his six four-wicket hauls, he has recorded one five-wicket haul. His extensive experience in First-Class cricket is notable, with a remarkable tally of 1,004 wickets from 235 matches at an average exceeding 26, including 50 four-wicket hauls and 58 five-wicket hauls.

Harmer’s contribution was pivotal in South Africa’s recent away Test series against Pakistan, where he claimed 13 wickets in two Tests at an average of 21.30. Notably, he has secured 30 of his Test wickets in Asia at an average of 24.73.

In addition to Harmer’s stellar performance, fast bowler Marco Jansen also made significant contributions with figures of 3/35 from 15 overs. In his 20th Test, Jansen has reached a total of 80 wickets at an average of 22.42, showcasing his effectiveness against India with 27 wickets at an impressive average of 17.77. Meanwhile, bowlers Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj each claimed one wicket during the innings.

As the match unfolds, South Africa’s bowling attack has demonstrated its potency, leaving India with the challenging task of regrouping and mounting a competitive response in this tightly contested series.