Proteas spinner Simon Harmer has signed as the professional for Central Lancashire League club Monton and Weaste this  summer.

He will take the place of South African Christiaan Jonker, last year’s pro, who is unavailable because of an impending shoulder operation.

Harmer, the Warriors’ off-spinning all-rounder, made an instant impact on his Test debut in January by taking seven wickets in the match against the West Indies.

‘It has always been our ambition  to have Test cricketers plying their trade at our wonderful club,’ said club chairman Gary Brown. ‘We can’t wait for the season to start now.’

South Africa play two Tests in Bangladesh, which could affect Harmer’s availability at the end of July and in early August.

 

Proteas women fall in first T20 against Pakistan

South Africa Women went down by five wickets to Pakistan in the first of three T20 matches in Sharjah, UAE, on Thursday

Only Mignon du Preez offered resistance to the Pakistani attack, hammering 41 off 39 balls and only Dane van Niekerk (25) and Nadine Moodley (17) reached double figures as the Protea women laboured their way to 101 for seven.

It was a disappointing collapse after 27 runs had been posted off the first 3.1 overs, mostly from Van Niekerk. Her opening partner, Trish Chetty, contributed eight, which included a six.

Hopes lifted when Shabnim Ismail bowled Pakistani opener Javeira Khan with just one run on the board, but Marina Iqbal, who top-scored with 42, steadied the innings and put on 51 for the next wicket.

Sune Luus took three wickets for 14, but the target was never going to be testing.