As reported by The Guardian, Harmer believes parts of English cricket can reward mediocrity due to the structure of the county game.
Since arriving in 2017, Harmer has taken over 500 first class wickets and played a key role in multiple titles, rebuilding his career after falling out of favour with South Africa. His success, however, has also given him a unique perspective on the English system, which he believes can sometimes reward mediocrity due to the sheer number of teams in the County Championship.
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Harmer questioned England’s current selection approach, suggesting a shift away from rewarding consistent run scoring towards favouring a more aggressive, entertaining style. While he acknowledged the threat posed by players like Joe Root, he expressed doubts about whether the philosophy fully aligns with the traditional demands of Test cricket, which still values patience and control.
On the bowling front, Harmer was sympathetic towards English spinners such as Jack Leach and Liam Dawson, arguing that conditions and limited specialist coaching often leave them underdeveloped. He added that while talent exists, mental resilience is not always consistent, claiming that “English cricketers don’t always have that fight”.
Harmer also pointed to broader structural issues, suggesting that with 18 counties, some players are able to “plod along” without being pushed to elite standards.
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Turning to South Africa, Harmer praised the current Proteas setup under Temba Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad, describing the team as greater than the sum of its parts. He emphasised that success on the field remains the only way to shift global power dynamics, particularly given the influence of India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Now 37, Harmer says he is nearing the end of his playing career, with plans to transition into law. But his journey from a Kolpak signing to one of county cricket’s most prolific performers stands as a testament to resilience and reinvention.
Photo: Philip Brown/Getty Images
