Simon Harmer (FILE PHOTO)
Reflexes
- Simon Harmer has returned to the South African team after 6 years.
- Simon Harmer was last seen playing in a test against India in November 2015.
- Harmer has returned in place of the versatile George Linde.
Johannesburg| South Africa named outsider Simon Harmer in its squad for the two-match test tour of New Zealand on Wednesday. Harmer, 32, made his last of five Test appearances against India in Nagpur in November 2015, with pacemaker Lutho Sipmala also included in the squad that leaves for New Zealand on 17 February.
The multitalented George Linde was unavailable to take part in the tour due to his marriage, so Harmer returned. Prenelan Subrian is also unavailable for selection due to injury.
“Simon Harmer and Lutho Sipamla were included in the squad to have a better team on the field, and last season the pair performed well,” said Viktor Mpitsang, CSA selectors coordinator.
He added: “The national team panel and I are delighted to see the test team play more cricket and we look forward to seeing them perform well this time against the ICC world test champions, the Blackcaps.”
Both tests are part of the new ICC World Test Championship season, with New Zealand on red alert especially to mitigate the risk of COVID-19. The first test will be held at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, while the second test is scheduled to take place at Basin Reserve in Wellington.
CSA said: “Our test team has been successful under the strong leadership of Dean Elgar and his Vice Captain Temba Bavuma and has produced good results of late. We are sure they will continue in the same way when they leave for New Zealand. Looking forward to To the team all the best for the series and a safe journey.”
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