Talented Parnell seeks traction

Wayne Parnell was thrust on to the international scene in the wake of outstanding performances as a junior. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky

Wayne Parnell was thrust on to the international scene in the wake of outstanding performances as a junior. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky

Published Jun 19, 2016

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Johannesburg – Wayne Parnell will have to win a World Cup or a major Test series before cricket fans cut him some slack.

A wonderfully naturally talented player, he was thrust on to the international scene in the wake of outstanding performances as a junior, the highlight of these being at the 2008 Under-19 World Cup, where he was the leading wicket-taker – ahead of players like Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Josh Hazlewood and Steve Finn.

Parnell, pictured, was picked for the senior South African team who toured Australia later in 2008 and achieved a historic Test and One-Day series win Down Under.

By his second ODI, he’d picked up a Man-of-the-Match award against Australia by claiming 4/25. Among his victims that day were Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey, all undone by Parnell’s devastating mix of pace and swing.

By the time of his sixth ODI he had his first “five-for” and it seemed South Africa had a critical element they could add to an attack that was emerging as the best in the game.

Led by Dale Steyn and Morné Morkel, an attack with a left-arm fast bowler capable of hitting 145km/h would make South Africa the envy of the cricket world.

But Parnell was unable to continue consistently his good start in the senior international game. He became mentally befuddled, caught between his natural attacking instincts and following team instructions that sometimes called for him to curb these and provide better control.

There were struggles, too, in dealing with the fame of being an international cricketer.

Selectors, coaches, senior leaders in the South African team continued to back him for his potential. He was included in numerous touring squads, but for the most part he was a “net bowler” playing in the odd game or if someone was injured.

Trying to operate in these circumstances didn’t help his confidence, and his game suffered.

He was picked for the World Cup group last year, with selectors backing his X factor over Ryan McLaren’s consistency. Parnell played one match – against India in Melbourne, was smashed around, conceding 85 runs in nine overs, and was not seen again at the tournament. Nothing typified his international career more.

After South Africa’s mid-year tour to Bangladesh last year he was dropped. It was, although hurtful, probably the best thing that could have happened to him.

“It’s nice to get away from that (international) system and just refocus and come in fresh again,” Parnell said before the tour to the West Indies.

“Being out of the system, not thinking about the Proteas team and just focusing on putting in decent performances – that was the main goal – and not thinking about getting myself back there. It was about playing cricket, taking it game by game and taking wickets and scoring runs.”

The value of being out of the international spotlight cannot be overstated.

Parnell, fit, relaxed and motivated, was arguably the most valuable player for the Cape Cobras in the second half of the Sunfoil series, averaging 48.18 with the bat and 20.56 with the ball, he scored 337 runs in eight innings and picked up 23 wickets in five matches.

His confidence restored, he was back in the senior national team for the triangular series against the West Indies and Australia.

“Getting back in the Proteas set-up is about being realistic and having matured a bit over the past few months – personally and in terms of the cricket – just getting a better understanding of what’s required when I am needed.”

That maturation in his personal life cannot be understated. Having adopted Islam, Parnell, who turns 27 at the end of July, is a calmer, more reflective, person. He’s also a married man.

None of those things will automatically lead to success on the field, but the resumption of his international career has nevertheless been reasonable.

Parnell was instrumental in South Africa’s 47-run win against Australia in Guyana 12 days ago, dismissing Aussie skipper Steve Smith and the dangerous opener Dave Warner.

He backed that up with another solid showing in the next match against the world champions, claiming 1/34 in seven overs – Warner again his victim, though admittedly only after he’d caused significant damage making a century.

What Parnell needs is to play more regularly to help build his confidence. The onus certainly rests on him to produce the performances to warrant consistent selection, and at this stage in his career it finally seems as if his ready to do so.

“There is more pressure (at international level), you are under the microscope, but at the end of the day the game remains the same – it’s the bowler versus the batter, and I just want to revisit those key points and try to implement them.”

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