Ex-Proteas spinner Paul Harris, whose best bowling figures came against Australia, is our Legend of the Week, brought to you by Aquavita. 

Harris managed to perform quite well against Australia, picking up 24 wickets in six matches at an average of 32.58. The highlight of his career came in his final match against the Baggy Greens, picking up a career-best 6-127 and best match figures of 9-161 in their victory at Newlands in March 2009.

Although his performance was insignificant to the outcome of the series, which Australia won 2-1, his efforts will always be reflected in the records.

The Zimbabwean-born left-arm spinner played the majority of his cricket for the Titans. A haul of 49 wickets in the 2005-06 SuperSport Series almost landed him a Proteas call-up but he was overlooked by selectors. This prompted a move to England, where he continued his trade as a Kolpak player, taking 31 wickets for Warwickshire.

In 2006-07, after Nicky Boje’s retirement, Harris was back in the frame, making his debut in the deciding third Test of the series against India. He went on to take four wickets in the match, which South Africa ended up winning by five wickets and as a result the series 2-1.

The ex-Proteas spinner, who turns 38 today, was closing in on 400 first-class wickets when he announced he would retire at the end of the 2012-13 season. He bowed out with 394 in 123 matches at an average of 31.63.

Harris has since moved into punditry and is a regular analyst on Inside Edge on Supersport.

Photo: Duif du Toit / Gallo Images