South African spinner Simon Harmer has revealed an on-field exchange with Australian captain Pat Cummins during the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha. South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs to level the three-match series after losing the opener in Durban by 214 runs.
Rain disrupted the first two days of the second Test, with only 42.2 overs possible across the two days. South Africa then recovered through a strong batting effort before dismissing Australia twice inside 150 overs. The teams will meet in Cape Town for the series decider from Tuesday, October 27.
Speaking on The Grade Cricketer podcast, Simon Harmer said Pat Cummins was frustrated with South Africa's decision to continue batting deep into the third day despite the time lost to rain.
“I love getting into a bit of a battle,” Harmer said. “When myself and Temba (Bavuma) were batting, a lot of time we had lost to rain. So yeah, he basically said to Temba that ‘you’re making the wrong decision’.”
Harmer also said Cummins became agitated as South Africa's lower order continued to add runs. The spinner believes the result left the Australian captain having to reconsider his criticism.
“I think he managed to eat his words at the end because we were able to turn them over twice and make them follow on. So, it started there and I think they were pretty pissed off as well after losing,” Harmer added.
Simon Harmer Takes a Dig at Cummins Ahead of Cape Town Decider
Simon Harmer said South African batter Matthew Breetzke also exchanged words with Pat Cummins. The spinner took a playful dig at the Australian captain's public image, suggesting that his reputation for being composed does not mean he avoids confrontations on the field.
“I think your golden boy, Patty Cummins, got a bit riled up with how long we were batting for,” Harmer said. “Then Matthew Breetzke, who came in, he had a few things to say, which I didn’t think went down too well.”
“I’m surprised you boys don’t have a statue with him here, the amount you boys love him and pump his tires,” Harmer said. “He looks really nice on the field, but he’s not shy of having a word, which I love.”
“So, I do have a feeling that this test match is going to come to a head,” Harmer warned.
With the series level at 1-1, the tension is likely to carry into the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town. South Africa beat Australia by 322 runs the last time the teams met at the venue, which also hosted the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
Simon Harmer says Pat Cummins “managed to eat his words” after the second Test t.co/9cqnd868NU
— The Grade Cricketer (@gradecricketer) October 26, 2026Temba Bavuma and Simon Harmer Lead South Africa's Comeback
South Africa were struggling at 110/6 before Temba Bavuma's 179 helped revive their first innings. Simon Harmer contributed 82, and the pair added 183 runs off 277 balls to put the hosts in control. Marco Jansen then scored an aggressive 85 as South Africa declared at 425/9.
Jansen also starred with the ball, taking five wickets as Australia collapsed to 99 in 42.3 overs in their first innings. South Africa enforced the follow-on and put the visitors under pressure to avoid an innings defeat.
Travis Head showed resistance in Australia's second-innings with a century, while Scott Boland survived 166 deliveries in a determined nightwatchman's effort. However, Australia were bowled out for 295 early in the final session, handing South Africa an innings-and-31-run victory.
Also read: South Africa announce Test squad for 3rd Australia match, Anrich Nortje ruled out
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