'They are human' - Simon Harmer dismisses aura around Pat Cummins' Australia

The Australian team has achieved some remarkable results under captain Pat Cummins. They defeated India in the final of the 2023 ICC Men's ODI World Cup and overcame the same opposition in the final of the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship. However, South Africa spinner Simon Harmer believes this Australian side is "human" and can be beaten, as was evident in the second Test of the ongoing three-match series at St George's Park in Gqeberha.

South Africa showcased tremendous resilience, particularly through their captain, Temba Bavuma, after slipping to 110/6 on day two in seam-friendly conditions. Bavuma registered his maiden Test century against Australia, scoring 179 off 334 balls to rescue his side from a precarious position. South Africa eventually declared at 425 before producing what will be remembered as one of the most riveting bowling displays in modern Test cricket.

Marco Jansen claimed a five-wicket haul to bowl Australia out for just 99, enabling the hosts to enforce the follow-on. Australia showed far greater resistance in their second innings, posting 295, but it was not enough to avoid a crushing innings-and-31-run defeat.

"To be 1-0 down and then be able to turn it around, and then to be 40 for 4 and be able to absorb that pressure and put it back on them, and then realise that actually they are human and, if we bowl well and put them under pressure, there is a possibility that we can get on top of them, was really nice to see," Harmer was quoted as saying by Cricinfo after the Gqeberha Test.

"Durban was a tough few days for us with our backs against the wall, and there was nowhere to go. It was nice for us to turn it around and be able to put them under pressure."

Reflecting on the defeat in the first Test, Harmer said South Africa felt they had missed an opportunity as they failed to perform to their potential.

"There was a lot of motivation and fire in the belly of a lot of the boys because we didn't put our best foot forward and we didn't lose on our terms in Durban," Harmer added.

"The character that Marco showed in that first innings, both with bat and ball, and KG today, and Wiaan, everyone stepped up. Whenever the team really needed someone to break it open, they were able to do that. We'll take a lot from this win. It's a really good feeling to head into Cape Town with the series level at 1-1."

The third Test of the series will get underway at Newlands in Cape Town from October 27 onwards.