Iconic South African spinner Paul Adams was a popular guest on the Cricket Library Podcast.
Paul shares his story of his meteoric rise to the South African test team as a teenager, playing in the 1996 World Cup, dealing with being in and out of the team as well as reflecting on some of his career highlights.

We wrap up our chat by asking Paul which three people he would most like to the nets with another spinner getting an invite alongside a wrapper and a famous political leader.
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Career Statistics
| Test | ODI | FC | LA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | 45 | 24 | 141 | 76 |
| Runs scored | 360 | 66 | 1,752 | 180 |
| Batting average | 9.00 | 16.50 | 17.17 | 11.25 |
| 100s/50s | 0/0 | 0/0 | 0/2 | 0/0 |
| Top score | 35 | 48* | 70 | 33* |
| Balls bowled | 8,850 | 1,109 | 27,102 | 3,156 |
| Wickets | 134 | 29 | 412 | 84 |
| Bowling average | 32.87 | 28.10 | 32.66 | 26.92 |
| 5 wickets in innings | 4 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
| 10 wickets in match | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Best bowling | 7/128 | 3/26 | 9/79 | 3/12 |
| Catches/stumpings | 29/– | 7/– | 73/– | 22/– |
Paul Harris – The Journey of a Proteas Spinner – The Cricket Library
In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, former South Africa national cricket team spinner Paul Harris joins us for a fascinating conversation on life at the highest level of world cricket.
From bowling to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and challenging players such as Phil Hughes, to facing the raw pace of Mitchell Johnson as a batter, Paul reflects on some of the defining battles of his career.
He shares what it was like to be part of the South African side that achieved the rare feat of winning a Test series in Australia against Australia, and offers insight into playing under the leadership of Graeme Smith during one of South Africa’s strongest eras.
We also hear stories from life on tour—including rooming with Dale Steyn—and explore his transition into life after professional cricket.
This episode is packed with elite-level insight, unforgettable memories, and honest reflections from one of South Africa’s most respected Test cricketers.
🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more stories from the world of cricket.