Harmer's controversial choices happily lead to stunning Proteas comeback: 'I feel vindicated'

Simon Harmer unapologetically believes his career's controversial choices are justified following a spectacular return to international cricket for the Proteas.

The 33-year-old off-spinner, making his first appearance in just over six years, guided South Africa to a dominant position in the first Test against Bangladesh at Kingsmead on Friday, taking all four wickets to fall following a career-best effort with the bat.

For almost five years, he was either vilified or admired for his decision to turn his back on South African cricket and sign a Kolpak agreement with Essex.

Yet once Brexit meant that door would have to be shut on him, the 33-year-old off-spinner came back, secured a contract with the Titans, and added immediate value by ending as the leading wicket-taker in the domestic 4-Day Series with 44 scalps.

Once the national selection panel, laudably, showed their willingness to let bygones be bygones, Harmer could focus again on reviving his career at the highest level.

READ | Harmer's superb return soothes Bavuma heartache as Proteas take control of first Test

"There's definitely a feeling of vindication," Harmer said after his excellent all-round day.

"There are still questions if I'm good enough for international cricket. Yes, I've done it for Essex and come back to the Titans and taken wickets this season. But am I still good enough for international cricket?

"Four wickets don't quite say that I am, but coming back and putting in a performance, just for my own self-belief, has been good."

There can be little doubt that the initial Kolpak pain has turned, if somewhat unexpectedly, into the Proteas' gain as Harmer has become a far more rounded cricketer.

How can he not when it's considered he's taken 426 first-class