Simon Harmer — South Africa Off-Spin Bowler Profile 2026

Simon Harmer, South Africa’s standout off-break bowler, is renowned for his tactical bowling and match-winning performances. As of 2026, he has surpassed 1,000 first-class wickets and remains a key player for Essex and the Proteas.

The accomplished South African cricketer, Simon Harmer, is celebrated for his intelligent bowling style as an off-spin specialist in the national team. Every delivery he bowls is delivered with remarkable accuracy, earning him a reputation as someone who can turn matches in his team’s favor. Harmer’s international Test debut came in 2015, when he faced the West Indies. Across various domestic competitions, Harmer has delivered outstanding performances, most recently achieving the milestone of 1,000 first-class wickets with an exceptional eight-wicket haul against Pakistan. Beyond his bowling, he has demonstrated strong leadership by guiding Essex to victory and consistently showing commitment while representing South Africa on the global stage. Harmer follows the Christian faith and upholds the cultural and spiritual principles of his religion. Raised in a Christian environment, he has carried these values into his personal and professional life. The right-arm off-spin bowler hails from a supportive South African family that has been a constant source of encouragement throughout his cricketing journey. His family has always fostered his enthusiasm for the sport. Harmer is married, and his close circle continues to motivate his discipline and dedication to cricket. No publicly accessible details exist about Simon Harmer’s father, as he maintains privacy regarding his relatives. Similarly, there is no public information about his mother, though he once mentioned in an interview that she works as a tennis coach, and he often spent time waiting outside the tennis courts during her sessions. Harmer’s brother works as a radiologist, though he has not shared further details about him. Should any new information about his family become available, updates will be provided accordingly. As for his sister, no details have been made public either, as Harmer has chosen not to reveal any information about her. Simon Harmer does not have a Facebook presence, so no direct connection is possible through that platform. If he establishes an account in the future, an update will be shared. In all formats of international and domestic cricket, including franchise leagues, Simon Harmer wears the jersey number 11. Based in Pretoria, Simon Harmer was previously in a relationship with Chloe Paul, who is now his wife. While he generally keeps his personal life private, he has not made any of these details public. His marriage to Chloe Paul appears to be a happy one, with occasional shared photographs, though further specifics remain scarce. Any updates about his wife will be shared as soon as they are available. As of 2025, Simon Harmer’s estimated net worth falls between $1 million and $8 million, translating to approximately ₹8–64 crore. This estimation accounts for his central contract with Cricket South Africa, match fees, domestic earnings, franchise league income, and endorsement deals. His cricket-specific salary remains undisclosed due to his preference for privacy, and updates will follow if new details emerge. In Test cricket, Simon Harmer has featured in 12 matches, claiming 52 wickets at an average of 26.00. His international career includes five instances of taking four wickets in an innings and one memorable five-wicket haul, showcasing his skill and impact. Simon Harmer made his debut in the Vitality Blast tournament in 2017 while playing for Essex. Since then, he has participated in 120 matches in the competition, securing 116 wickets at an average of 26.51. He has also contributed to the SA20 league, representing Sunrisers Eastern Cape and taking nine wickets. Additionally, he played 16 matches in the Mzansi Super League, further displaying his capabilities. Under Harmer’s leadership, Essex secured the County Championship title in 2017, with him taking 74 wickets in that season alone. His excellence was recognized again in 2019 when he received the PCA Men’s Domestic Overall Most Valuable Player award, and in 2020, he was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year. In 2024, he completed his 100th first-class appearance for Essex. In October 2025, facing Pakistan, he achieved an eight-wicket haul, reaching the milestone of 1,000 first-class wickets. Simon Harmer is a right-arm off-spin bowler representing South Africa in international cricket. What is Simon Harmer’s net worth and salary? Simon Harmer’s net worth and salary are estimated to be between $1 million and $8 million (₹8–64 crore). What is Simon Harmer’s jersey number? Simon Harmer’s jersey number is 11. All images included are for editorial use only. Licensing is solely handled by Getty/Source.