Simon Harmer captured match-winning figures of 6/16 as the Proteas secured a comprehensive victory and the series against Australia.

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Simon Harmer's remarkable return to Test cricket continues to gather momentum, with the veteran off-spinner climbing nine places to seventh in the latest ICC Men's Test Bowling Rankings following his match-winning performance against Australia at Newlands.

At 37, Harmer is enjoying a remarkable international resurgence, and his latest rankings breakthrough is further reward for a comeback that has become one of the most compelling stories in South African cricket.

His six-wicket haul in Australia's second innings at Newlands not only dismantled the visitors and secured a series victory for South Africa, but also propelled him into the world's top seven Test bowlers, one place ahead of teammate Kagiso Rabada.

It is a significant achievement for a bowler whose international career was interrupted for several years, and who has returned after years playing for Essex in the English County Championship to become an indispensable part of the Proteas' Test attack.

Meanwhile, Marco Jansen's rise to the top of the ICC bowling rankings was short-lived after Australian seamer Mitchell Starc reclaimed the No 1 spot after a brilliant performance at Newlands. 

Jansen, who had taken over the No 1 position following his six-wicket performance in Gqeberha, managed only three wickets in Cape Town, while Starc finished with a nine-wicket match haul.

But Harmer's rise is equally deserving of attention.

His nine-place jump reflects the consistency and effectiveness he has brought to the Proteas since returning to the international fold. Taking 44 wickets at an average of 19.09 since his comeback, he has quickly established himself as one of the leading spinners in Test cricket.

More importantly, his performances have translated into results. Against Australia, Harmer demonstrated exactly why experience and control remain invaluable in Test cricket.

His return has strengthened South Africa's bowling resources considerably and have created a selection dynamic alongside fellow spinner Keshav Maharaj for the upcoming series against Bangladesh and England.