Maharaj on world-class Harmer: 'He has shown he belongs'

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj says Simon Harmer's performance against Bangladesh illustrated why he still belongs in international cricket.

Harmer, who once was shunned after taking a Kolpak deal with Essex, made a stunning seven-year return to the Proteas set-up in the recently concluded two-match Test series against Bangladesh.

South Africa went on to clean sweep the series 2-0 thanks to Maharaj and Harmer's ability to dominate and keep an attacking Bangladesh at bay.

In the absence of Indian Premier League-bound bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi, the duo went on to share 29 wickets between the two in Durban and Gqeberha.

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Harmer was phenomenal in his supporting role as he delivered 3/39, 3/34, 4/103 and 3/21 to end on 13 wickets in the series.

Maharaj, who ended as the leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps, had nothing but praise for his spinning partner and hopes that he'll continue to be a mainstay in the Proteas set-up.

"It's always nice having a spinner at the other end and Simon is a world-class performer and he has shown how much he has grown on the county circuit," said Maharaj.

"He has also shown why he belongs in international cricket, not only from a bowling point of view but because of how he is a team man and more especially from the lower-order, where he contributed in both Test matches."

The Proteas' next red-ball tour will be against England away for a three-match Test series in August with Harmer's expertise hoping to come of good use.

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Maharaj also praised skipper Dean Elgar on his first season as Test captain, stating that he is exactly what the team needed.

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