South African batter Simon Harmer, making a mark with the bat, compiled a delightful knock to carve out a special place in record books, surpassing Dale Steyn’s record for the highest individual score by a South African batter at No. 9 in Test cricket. The off-spinner plundered a brilliant 82 on Day 3 of the ongoing second Test against Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Tuesday, guiding the side through a difficult situation.
Harmer’s outstanding innings helped him overtake legendary Dale Steyn’s knock of 76, which he scored against Australia in Melbourne in 2008. During his innings, Harmer cracked 10 boundaries and one six, showing his great ability with the bat as well. It was his knock that cleared the way for the Proteas to fight back from 110-6 to reach 425-9 before declaring their first innings.
South Africa were under tremendous pressure after losing six crucial wickets early, and they needed a spark to make a swift turnaround. That's where Harmer supported captain Temba Bavuma, forging a 183-run stand to help the hosts made a strong return in the match.
Apart from Harmar, skipper Bavuma also had his record-breaking effort, serving as the central figure in South Africa’s first-innings revival. Bavuma's determined effort fetched him a superb 179, his highest score in Test cricket, facing 334 deliveries and hitting 18 fours and a six, which might be instrumental in saving the series for South Africa.