History of Simon Harmer in Timeline

Simon Harmer is a South African international cricketer known for his off-break bowling. A capable lower-order batsman, Harmer plays domestically for Titans in South Africa and Essex in England. His primary role is as a bowler, contributing to both his national team and domestic sides with his spin bowling abilities.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 1989: Simon Harmer's birth

In February 1989, Simon Ross Harmer was born. He is a South African international cricketer known for playing as an off-break bowler.

Others born on this day/year

1995: Mark Ilott Takes Nine Wickets

In 1995, Mark Ilott was the last bowler for Essex before Simon Harmer in 2017 to take nine wickets in an innings.

2010: Harmer Debuted for Warriors

In 2010, Simon Harmer debuted for Warriors in a first-class match against the Cape Cobras.

2010: South Africa's Last Test Victory on Indian Soil

In 2010, South Africa secured their last Test victory on Indian soil prior to the November 2025 victory where Simon Harmer was declared Player of the Match.

2011: Warriors Debut

In 2011, Simon Harmer debuted for Warriors in the first class season against the Cape Cobras. In his debut, he claimed 5/98 in the first innings and 1/53 in the second innings and scored 46 and 69 runs.

2012: Leading Wicket Taker

In 2012, Simon Harmer became a regular fixture in the Warriors side, concluding his rookie season as the leading wicket-taker with 44 wickets.

2014: Call up to the national team

In 2014, Simon Harmer earned a call up for the 3rd Test against West Indies

January 2015: Test Debut Against West Indies

On January 2, 2015, Simon Harmer made his Test match debut for South Africa against the West Indies at Newlands, Cape Town. He secured his first Test wicket by bowling Devon Smith before lunch and finished with figures of 3/71 from 26 overs.

2017: Signed for Essex County Cricket Club

In 2017, Simon Harmer signed for Essex County Cricket Club as a Kolpak player. Also in June 2017, in the County Championship, Harmer took 9 wickets for 95 runs in the second innings against Middlesex, becoming the first Essex bowler to achieve this since Mark Ilott in 1995.

2017: Confirmed Essex as Champions

In 2017, Simon Harmer took the wicket that secured Essex as Champions in their win against Warwickshire. He concluded the season with 72 wickets at 19.19, the second-highest in the country.

October 2018: Named in Jozi Stars' Squad

In October 2018, Simon Harmer was included in the Jozi Stars' squad for the inaugural Mzansi Super League T20 tournament.

2018: Continued success in 2018

In 2018, Simon Harmer managed 57 wickets at 24.45 each and provided useful runs batting at number eight in the batting order.

September 2019: Captained Essex to T20 Blast Victory

In September 2019, Simon Harmer captained Essex County Cricket Club to their first-ever T20 Blast victory against Worcestershire County Cricket Club. He took 7 wickets across the semi-final and final on Finals Day.

September 2019: Named in Squad for Jozi Stars

In September 2019, Simon Harmer was selected for the Jozi Stars team for the 2019 Mzansi Super League tournament.

2019: Expressed Desire to Play for England

In 2019, Simon Harmer expressed his desire to play for the England national team.

April 2020: Named Wisden Cricketer of the Year

In April 2020, Simon Harmer was recognized as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year for his T20 and Championship performances for Essex in the 2019 season, as featured in the 2020 edition of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.

2020: Immigration Regulation Changes

In 2020, immigration regulation changes following Brexit made it difficult for Harmer to play for England.

April 2021: Named in Northerns' Squad

In April 2021, Simon Harmer was selected in Northerns' squad for the 2021–22 cricket season in South Africa.

2021: Abandoned England Team Idea

In 2021, Simon Harmer abandoned the idea of playing for the England national team due to immigration issues.

January 2022: Named in South Africa Test Squad

In January 2022, Simon Harmer was included in the 17-man South Africa Test squad for their tour of New Zealand.

April 2022: First Proteas Test Appearance in Six Years

In April 2022, Simon Harmer made his first appearance for the Proteas Test side in six and a half years, playing against Bangladesh. He and Keshav Maharaj contributed to a 2-0 series victory, taking 13 wickets.

November 2025: Player of the Match

In November 2025, Simon Harmer was declared Player of the Match in the first Test of the South African tour of India. His spell of 4/30 & 4/21 and his control were instrumental in preventing India from building a sustained counter-attack and securing South Africa's first Test victory on Indian soil since 2010.