Simon Harmer reveals aim to represent South Africa again after England hopes dashed by Brexit  

Simon Harmer, the County Championship’s reigning MVP, wants to play for South Africa again after his England ambitions were quashed.

Off-spinner Harmer, who was at the forefront of Essex’s Championship and Twenty20 title double in 2019, previously looked to switch international allegiance through residency while one of domestic cricket’s Kolpak players.

However, Brexit meant he lost such status at the turn of the year and he will therefore be classed as an overseas player here this coming summer.

Simon Harmer wants to play for South Africa after his England hopes were dashed by Brexit

Off-spinner Harmer was key in Essex’s Championship and Twenty20 title double back in 2019

On Wednesday, he signed to play Twenty20 cricket for the Pretoria-based Titans after he ‘knocked on every door’ seeking a deal in his homeland and said: ‘I will be looking to put pressure on people above me. That’s how I’m wired. 

‘I am always looking to get better, and I still have some aspirations to play for South Africa. That is why I am back.’

Harmer, 32 next week, played five Tests for the Proteas in 2016 before embarking on a new career here the following year, after a fall from eminence that included him not receiving a new contract from the Warriors, his former franchise.

The 31-year-old had hoped to switch allegiance to England as one of the Kolpak players

His impact in English cricket has been significant. Last summer, he was leading wicket-taker in the Bob Willis Trophy as Essex added to their silverware and he was the most prolific bowler in Division One of the previous year’s Championship, claiming 83 wickets.

Hampshire’s Kyle Abbott, second on that list with 71 victims, has also signed with the Titans as South Africa begins to welcome back its Kolpak generation.