Simon Harmer returns to South Africa Test squad after six-year absence

The 32-year-old off-spinner, a dominant figure in the County Championship over recent years, comes into the Proteas party for the trip to New Zealand due to George Linde's absence

Simon Harmer has been recalled to the South Africa squad and is set for his first international appearance in more than six years.

Harmer, who is now eligible to play for his country once again following the scrapping of the Kolpak rule in county cricket and his conversion to overseas player status at Essex, is part of a 17-man group set to take on New Zealand in two Test matches next month.

The 32-year-old off-spinner, a dominant figure in the County Championship over recent years, comes into the squad due to George Linde's absence.

Linde is taking leave to get married, leaving the door ajar for Harmer to state his case for reinclusion in the longer term.

Harmer's last appearance for the Proteas came in November 2015, a Test against India in Nagpur. 

^{Simon Harmer in Test action in 2015 (Munir uz Zaman/AFP via Getty Images)}

He has 27 wickets in the ongoing South African domestic first-class season, for Multiply Titans, and an average of 21.40.

Alongside Harmer, seamer Lutho Simpala also returns. Simpala was left out of the squad for recent series against West Indies and India. 

“The inclusions of Simon and Lutho reaffirm our intentions, as a panel, to reward excellence on the field and the pair have let their work speak on their behalf this past season," convenor of selectors, Victor Mpitsang, said.

The South Africa squad will depart for New Zealand on February 2, with the two Tests against the Blackcaps both scheduled to take place at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

The first Test is due to start on February 17, with the Proteas having to fulfil a period of isolation upon arrival, with the second following on February 25.

South Africa squad: Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma, Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne

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