Simon Harmer urges England to recall Jack Leach and boost spin coaching
South Africa’s Simon Harmer argues England need spinner Jack Leach for the upcoming Test series in South Africa and warns that county spin coaches are scarce.
Harmer’s call for Jack Leach
South Africa’s off‑spinner Simon Harmer told the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast that England should select left‑arm spinner Jack Leach for the three‑Test tour of South Africa starting on 17 December. Harmer noted that Leach, who has taken 142 wickets in 39 Tests at an average of 34.07, “would be his guy” for the venues in Johannesburg, Centurion and Cape Town.
Harmer explained that a spinner who can “hold an end” in the first innings allows England’s seamers to rotate, attack and bowl four aggressive overs, helping the side reach the required 90 overs in a day.
Why Leach matters, according to Harmer
Harmer said he does not understand England selector Marcus North’s comment that the team is “moving away” from Leach, even though Leach has not played for England for two years and does not hold a central contract. He added that critics may point to Leach’s inability to bowl teams out on day five, but emphasized the “control” Leach provides on South African pitches.
Other spin options and coaching concerns
Harmer also name‑checked Shoaib Bashir (on an England central contract), Yorkshire’s Dom Bess and Sussex’s Jack Carson as players capable of international cricket, but he warned they need more guidance at the domestic level.
He highlighted a shortage of spin‑bowling coaches in county cricket, describing former Leicestershire spinner Carl Crowe as “an absolute genius” who understands spin biomechanics yet is under‑utilised in the county system.
England’s recent spin‑coaching appointment
In response to the perceived gap, England have appointed former Glamorgan coach and ex‑Yorkshire spinner Richard Dawson as the elite national spin bowling lead, aiming to strengthen the spin department ahead of the South Africa series.
Key points
Harmer believes Jack Leach would give England the necessary control on South African pitches.
He criticises the limited availability of spin‑bowling coaches in England’s county structure.
England have appointed Richard Dawson as elite spin bowling lead to address coaching shortfalls.
