Simon Harmer is arguably the form bowler in the domestic cricket scene right now and will be central to the Proteas’ hopes in Australia.
Harmer has been able to bag wickets on some pretty docile early-season pitches in the First Class campaign.
He took 14 wickets in his last outing, which came at the Wanderers, and is likely to closely mirror the conditions expected in Australia.
Many teams heading to Australia fall into the trap of believing that fast bowling is the be-all and end-all.
Not only do many touring batters find themselves surrendering their wickets to the off-spin of Nathan Lyon rather than the snorting snarling quick bowlers.
If Australia are sensible, they will lean towards making the pitches less pace-friendly as they have a big edge in batting ability and that will be brought out by flatter wickets.
With Australia looking to spend a lot of time at the wicket, Harmer will be South Africa’s best weapon.
When compared to Keshav Maharaj, Harmer is a little bit more attacking but there might even be a case for both of them to play together.
Harmer is the type of spinner who could be dangerous at a ground like the MCG for instance, if the Australians try to get after him at all.
He has experience in different conditions even if he has played very little cricket in Australia, and Harmer is an absolute must for the Proteas’ starting XI for each Test.
Harmer has also been helped in his preparation for Australia by playing on pitches up on the Highveld having played twice at the Titans home of SuperSport Park and once at the Wanderers.
His ability with the bat as a lower-order source of runs is also a bonus for the Proteas.
Harmer ripped through an in-form Lions batting lineup at the Wanderers in a match that could provide the Proteas with a blueprint for how matches in Australia will proceed.
There is little doubt that Harmer must be one of the first names on the Proteas team sheet in Australia.
