Former South African captain AB de Villiers applauded Simon Harmer for his heroics, as South Africa scripted a historic Test series win in India recently as well. While talking about his struggles in playing for
South Africa regularly, AB de Villiers said that he always knew Harmer was a match-winner.

Recalling his tour of India in 2015, the veteran elaborated: “I’m a huge fan and I’ve got a nice story about him. We didn’t grow up together but he was at the school across the road from me. So, we big rivals growing up. I’ve always known about him and as he came through the ranks, we sort of became friends but he couldn’t break through. He went to county cricket, got hundreds of wickets, year in and year out, one of the star performers. We stayed in touch and I could sort of sense his frustration on not getting an opportunity. When he did, he could throw into the deep end over there in India and didn’t do incredibly well and he was out again. I felt for this guy and I always knew he was a match-winner.”

“Coming against Pakistan now recently and also against India, sort of a breakthrough series for him. He really showed what he’s capable of and sometimes it’s all a player needs. It’s a shame for him it’s only happened now in his career. He’s not 25 anymore but I think he’s looked after his body well and he’s got a few years ahead of him. He’s a smart cricketer and can also hold the bat, chip in and definitely a player with character. So, I’m incredibly proud of him. Man of the series performance, it couldn’t have been scripted better for him,” he further added.

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However, AB de Villiers also recalled how many predicted that South Africa to go through a period of transition. Still, they applauded captain Temba Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad for turning the team’s fortunes as well.

“It is quite an emotional one for the Proteas. I’m absolutely speechless about their performance over their last few years. A lot of them were calling out to go through them over a transitional phase of 5-10 years, try and find their feet after a lot of players retired, including myself and a bunch of others. I spoke to Kagiso Rabada and it came out of the horse’s mouth when saying you know what we miss you guys and it doesn’t quite feel the same,” he stated.

“That was a few years back and I thought they’re going to have to find a bit of magic from somewhere to stay afloat over the next few years but they surprised everyone under the captaincy of Temba Bavuma, coach Shukri Conrad. They seem to have found something really special in that team. I don’t think they are completely out of the woods and we’re not going to put our hands up say they’re the perfect cricket team. But they rely a lot on character and self-belief. That sort of drives the engine at the moment,” AB de Villiers concluded.