Simon Harmer: Can South Africa's prolific Essex spinner worry England like he does county hitters?

Despite already winning five test caps for his country native in 2015, Harmer appeared to be surplus to requirements in South Africa.

There was speculation that after spending four years in the country, he would qualify to play for England on residential grounds.

Brexit put an end to that. And, in January 2020, 33-year-old Harmer was reclassified as an overseas player.

But the wickets haven't stopped coming for Harmer with Essex, 348 of them now in 71 games at an average of 20.27. African cricket teams took note.

After having was recalled in April, Harmer was chosen in the South Africa Test squad for their two-month red and white ball tour of England and Ireland and now comes the chance to see what he can really do on the biggest stage of cricket.

"This will be interesting to watch", Essex l 'head coach Anthony McGrath told BBC Radio Essex.

"It will be a great opportunity if he play. We wish him good luck.

"Everyone is delighted that he has the chance to play cricket international for his country against England in England where he did so well."

Harmer's loss will come for Essex at an intriguing stage in the red ball season.

He took 28 wickets in two successive home league matches - stunning stats even by his own high standards - with Essex fourth in Division 1, 47 points behind leaders Surrey with a game less.

Still, it's entirely possible that Harmer, who is contracted to Essex until 2026, will only miss one league game during his international duty, two at most.

After the next two league games...