Simon Harmer calls for England to recall Jack Leach for Tests

South Africa’s off‑spinner Simon Harmer told Sky Sports on Tuesday that England should recall left‑arm orthodox bowler Jack Leach for the Test series in South Africa this winter, arguing that the lack of spin coaches in county cricket leaves specialist bowlers “isolated”. Harmer, who spent a decade playing county cricket for Durham and Essex before returning to the Proteas, said Leach’s experience on English pitches would be valuable on the hard, fast wickets of Johannesburg and Cape Town, where England have struggled to contain South Africa’s own spin attack.

The call comes after England’s spin department has been in flux since the 2023 Ashes, when both Leach and Moeen Ali were dropped in favour of part‑timer Sam Curran and occasional off‑spinner Jamie Overton. County teams have invested heavily in seam bowling academies, while dedicated spin coaches are scarce, meaning young spinners often develop without specialist guidance. Harmer noted that during his own county stint he rarely saw a spin mentor, and that this gap forces bowlers to rely on limited match practice, reducing England’s depth in a format that increasingly rewards variety.

England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, welcomed the suggestion but cautioned that squad selection will depend on form and fitness. Current spinner Sam Curran, who has been a regular in limited‑overs squads, is also in contention, while the England and Wales Cricket Board has announced a review of its coaching structure ahead of the 2025 season. County officials have responded by promising to increase spin coaching resources, with several clubs already hiring former internationals as spin mentors in response to criticism.

If Leach is recalled, he would join a squad that includes veteran paceman Stuart Broad and all‑rounder Ben Stokes, adding a left‑arm option that could exploit South Africa’s turning tracks. The decision will be made in the next selection meeting in early November, ahead of a five‑Test series that will be the first full England tour of South Africa since 2019. A recall could signal a shift in England’s approach to spin development and may pressure the ECB to invest more in specialist coaching at the county level.