Simon Harmer takes stunning return catch to send Dhruv Jurel packing in Kolkata Test

South Africa spinner Simon Harmer picked up his second wicket of the innings as Indian batter Dhruv Jurel offered a caught-and-bowled chance on Day 2 (Saturday, November 15) of the first Test. Harmer took a brilliant catch off his own bowling to dismiss Jurel, who was looking dangerous, at Eden Gardens.

India ended the opening day at 37/1, with KL Rahul and Washington Sundar at the crease. The hosts were at 138/4 by the lunch break on Day 2, with Ravindra Jadeja and Dhruv Jurel in the middle. Earlier in the session, skipper Shubman Gill had to retire hurt after a brief stay, leaving the field with a neck injury.

Watch: Simon Harmer Takes Stunning Catch Off His Own Bowling to Dismiss Dhruv Jurel

Dhruv Jurel’s knock came to an end on the third ball of the 49th over when Simon Harmer took a sharp caught-and-bowled effort. The Indian batter, who had looked in good touch with three boundaries, tried to flick a tossed-up delivery on the leg side but ended up mistiming it.

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The ball took a leading edge and looped back toward Harmer, who reacted quickly, diving forward to complete a low catch inches above the turf. The on-field umpires sent the decision upstairs to confirm the legality of the catch, and replays showed Harmer’s fingers were clearly under the ball.

Notably, he wicket left India five down in their first innings. Simon Harmer produced the breakthrough immediately after the lunch break to bring the visiting team back into the match.

Watch the video of the same posted by a user on X (formerly known as Twitter) below:

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— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) November 15, 2025

Simon Harmer Strikes Twice as South Africa Fight Back Against India on Day 2

South Africa staged a strong comeback on Day 2 of the first Test, following an impressive spell from Simon Harmer. The off-spinner broke a 57-run stand between KL Rahul and Washington Sundar. He removed Sundar before sending Dhruv Jurel back to the pavilion.

Keshav Maharaj removed KL Rahul for 39, while Corbin Bosch dismissed Rishabh Pant for 27. Earlier on Day 1, Marco Jansen had given South Africa their first breakthrough by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for 12.

India captain Shubman Gill, meanwhile, retired hurt after scoring just four runs due to a neck spasm, as confirmed by the BCCI. At the time of writing, India were 184/7 after 59 overs, with Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj at the crease. It remains uncertain whether Gill will return to bat.

Dhruv Jurel Leading Run-Scorer in India A vs South Africa A Unofficial Test Series

Dhruv Jurel showcased remarkable consistency in the India A vs South Africa A unofficial Test series, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer. He struck centuries in both innings of the second match, finishing the series with a total of 259 runs.

Jurel scored his maiden century against the West Indies in Ahmedabad, helping India secure an innings victory in their home opener. He made his Test debut in early 2024. The Agra-born wicketkeeper-batter has scored 444 runs at an impressive average of 44.7 in eight matches.

Jurel didn’t keep wickets in the South Africa innings, as Rishabh Pant returned to reclaim the role behind the stumps. He is one of India’s brightest young prospects in red-ball cricket.

Also read: Shubman Gill retired out after just 3 balls, freak neck injury feared