Simon Harmer vs Ravichandran Ashwin - comparing their stats after 14 Tests

South African off spinner Simon Harmer came up with a sensational bowling performance as the Proteas thumped hosts India 2-0 in a two-match Test series that concluded on Wednesday, November 26. The 36-year-old was named Player of the Series for claiming 17 wickets in four innings at an average of 8.94.

Harmer registered figures of 4-30 & 4-21 in the first Test at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata as India's decision to play on a rank turner backfired in a massive manner. In the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, the Proteas off spinner claimed 3-64 in the first innings and followed it up with a superb effort of 6-37.

Harmer has featured in 14 Test matches so far. In the wake of his incredible bowling performance in India, we compare his stats with those of Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin after the latter had also played 14 Tests.

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Simon Harmer vs Ravichandran Ashwin - Who has more wickets and a better average after 14 Tests?

In 14 Tests, Harmer has claimed 69 wickets at an average of 21.79. The off spinner has picked up 27 wickets in four Tests against India at an average of 15.03. Further, he has 13 scalps in two Tests against Pakistan (average 21.30), 12 wickets in two Tests against West Indies (average 21.75) and 16 wickets in four Test matches against Bangladesh (average 23.62).

After 14 wickets, Ashwin had 81 wickets to his name at an average of 28.93. The seasoned off spinner had 27 wickets in five Tests against Australia and at average of 32.11 and 22 wickets in three Tests against West Indies at an average of 22.90. Further, Ashwin had picked up 18 wickets in two Tests against New Zealand at an average of 13.11 and 14 scalps in four Tests against England, averaging 52.64.

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Simon Harmer vs Ravichandran Ashwin - Who has more five-fers after 14 Tests?

In 14 Tests, Harmer has claimed two five-fers and is yet to pick up a 10-wicket match haul. His best innings figures of 6-37 were registered against India in Guwahati in November 2025. The 36-year-old also picked up 6-50 against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in October 2025 and 4-51 in Lahore in the same series.

Player	Wickets	Average	BBI	BBM	5w	10w
Simon Harmer	69	21.79	6-37	9-101	2	0
Ravichandran Ashwin	81	28.93	7-103	12-85	8	2

(Harmer vs Ashwin - Bowling stats comparison after 14 Tests)

After 14 Tests, Ashwin had eight five-fers and two 10-wicket match hauls. His best innings figures at that stage were 7-103, which came against Australia in Chennai in February 2013. Ashwin picked up 5-95 in the second innings of the same Test. He also claimed 6-31 & 54 against New Zealand in Hyderabad (August 2012) and 6-47 against West Indies in Delhi (November 2011) in his debut Test match.

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Simon Harmer vs Ravichandran Ashwin - Who has a better record in wins after 14 Tests?

Harmer has been part of seven Tests that South Africa have won. In winning causes, he has claimed 50 wickets at an average of 14.70, with the aid of two five-fers. In four Tests that South Africa have lost, he has claimed 16 wickets at an average of 29.93. Harmer has three wickets in three drawn Tests, averaging 96.66.

Player	Matches	Wickets	Average	BBI	BBM	5w	10w
Simon Harmer	7	50	14.70	6-37	9-101	2	0
Ravichandran Ashwin	7	53	19.67	7-103	12-85	7	2

(Harmer vs Ashwin - Bowling stats comparison in wins after 14 Tests)

Of his first 14 Tests, Ashwin was also part of seven matches that India won. In winning causes, he had claimed 53 wickets at an average of 19.67. Seven of his five-fers and both his 10-wicket match hauls came in wins. Ashwin had 16 scalps five Tests that India lost, averaging 59.12. Further, in two Tests that India drew, he had picked up 12 wickets at an average of 29.58, with one five-fer.

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Simon Harmer vs Ravichandran Ashwin - Who has a better away record after 14 Tests?

Harmer has played 10 away Tests in which he has picked up 44 wickets at an impressive average of 23.77, with two five-wicket hauls. In four home Tests, the Proteas spinner has claimed 25 wickets at an average of 18.32.

Player	Matches	Wickets	Average	BBI	BBM	5w	10w
Simon Harmer	10	44	23.77	6-37	9-101	2	0
Ravichandran Ashwin	3	9	62.77	3-81	5-267	0	0

(Harmer vs Ashwin - Away bowling stats comparison after 14 Tests)

Of his first 14 Tests, Ashwin played three away from home. In away Tests at that stage, he had nine wickets at an average of 62.77, with a best of 3-81. On the contrary, in 11 home Tests, the off spinner had claimed 72 wickets at an average of 24.70. All his eight five-fers and two 10-wicket match hauls came at home.