Proteas call up Harmer for New Zealand tour

Off-spinner Simon Harmer will return to the Proteas Test set-up for the two-match tour of New Zealand.

The 32-year-old made the last of his five Test appearances against India in November 2015.

Harmer comes in for George Linde, who is getting married and unavailable for the tour. Prenelan Subrayen is also not available for selection, due to a groin injury.

Harmer took seven wickets on Test debut against the West Indies in January 2015 in Cape Town, and went on to play four more matches, returning 20 wickets in total in eight innings, at an average of 29.40.

While playing for the Titans this season, he has taken the second-most wickets in the 4-Day Domestic Series, with 27 in eight innings at an average of 21.40.

Harmer is joined by Lutho Sipamla in the squad of 17 that departs for the two-match Test series which starts on 2 February.

Sipamla has taken 16 wickets in six innings in the 4-Day Domestic Series, including best match-bowling figures of 7-39 at an average of 16.56 and economy of 3.73.

The 23-year-old made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2020 and has two caps and 10 wickets to his name.

In a move to minimise Covid-19 risk, both Tests, which will form part of the ICC World Test Championship, will now take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

‘The inclusions of Simon and Lutho 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,’ said CSA convenor of selectors Victor Mpitsang.

‘We wish Dean, coach Mark Boucher and the team all the best for the series and safe travels.’

Proteas Test squad – Dean Elgar (c, Titans), Temba Bavuma (v-c, Lions), Sarel Erwee (Dolphins), Simon Harmer (Titans), Marco Jansen (Warriors), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Duanne Olivier (Lions), Keegan Petersen (Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Lutho Sipamla (Lions), Glenton Stuurman (Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Lions), Kyle Verreynne (wk, Western Province).