Parnell provides SA with the X-factor
MATCH-WINNER: HE HAS THAT X-FACTOR, SAYS COACH
Protea one-day captain AB de Villiers has lauded South Africa’s all-rounder Wayne Parnell as a match-winner after their tour to the United Arab Emirates.
‘Give him the ball and he’ll make something happen’.
Given the severity of the problem initially, the Proteas’ return from a successful tour to the UAE was mostly headlined by an improved batting effort in the one-day series.
However, a varied, penetrative bowling unit was undeniably South Africa’s greatest strength during the 4-1 series triumph, prompting skipper AB de Villiers to state that there’s perhaps scope for a rotation policy.
“We do have the depth, that’s for sure. It’s defi nitely possible for us to do that,” he said.
“But we don’t have a lot of games left before the World Cup so it’s all about establishing combinations. I’m very happy with the bowling group we have at the moment, I don’t think there’ll be many changes.”
Epitomising the attack’s newfound, potent fluidity was Wayne Parnell.
“He didn’t play in all the games, yet when he came in he did so well. That showed he’s a match-winner. It’s great to have options like that,” said De Villiers.
The former national Under-19 skipper had gone off the boil after a fine start to a fast-tracked international career yet a cracking start to the domestic season and this trip seems to have conjured up a rejuvenated, more rounded player.
“I’ve always termed him an Xfactor player,” remarked coach Russell Domingo.
“If something needs to happen in a game you give him the ball or get him involved somehow with the bat, because things tend to happen. He impacts games and that’s the main thing, he’s not just a guy who ships in now and then. When he makes a play, he gets four for nothing or 60 under pressure.”