Simon Harmer returns to South Africa Test squad for New Zealand tour

South Africa off-spinner Simon Harmer returns to the Test squad for their tour of New Zealand. harmer, who played last of his five Test against India in 2015, returns to the national team for the first time since agreeing to a Kolpak deal with Essex in 2017.

Duanne Olivier, who had taken a similar route with Yorkshire in 2019 too returned to the Proteas' side for the home series against India, where he played two out of the three Tests. Harmer, replaces George Linde, who is unavailable for selection due to his imminent nuptials. Prenelan Subrayen who was part of the sqauad for the Tests against India is out due to a groin injury.

Harmer has been in top form this season having picked up 27 wickets at 21.40 for the Titans, only behind Olivier who has snared 28 scalps. Lutho Sipamla too is making steady progress in the domestic circuit. He has picked up 16 wickets from six innings already this season. He made his Test debut in 2020 against Sri Lanka and has 10 wickets from two games to his name so far.

After being rested for the ODI series against India, Kagiso Rabada returns to the fold as well, however, Anrich Nortje continues to remain on the sidelines after picking up an injury ahead of the Tests against India.

In a bid to minimise Covid risks, both matches, which are part of the ICC World Test Championship, will be played in Christchurch, starting February 17. The Proteas will fly out to New Zealand on February 2.

“The National Selection Panel and I are pleased to see the Test team playing more cricket and we are looking forward to watching them perform in what we hope will be another scintillating series, this time, against the ICC World Test Champions, the Blackcaps," CSA Convenor of Selectors, Victor Mpitsang said

“Our Test team has been successful under the strong leadership of Dean Elgar and his deputy, Temba Bavuma, and have returned good results in recent times. We are confident that they will continue in the same vein, as they head off to New Zealand.

 “The inclusions of Simon (Harmer) and Lutho (Sipamla) reaffirm our intentions as a Panel, to reward excellence on the field and the pair have let their work speak on their behalf this past season."

South Africa squad for Test series vs New Zealand: Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma (vc), Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne (wk).