Parnell eyeing return to Kent

HE has barely set foot off the plane but South African bowler Wayne Parnell is already plotting a potential return to Kent.

Parnell, who had a spell at Canterbury eight years ago, helped Kent get off to a flyer in the County Championship, claiming seven wickets across two games as the county made a perfect start.

The 27-year-old is now back in South Africa preparing for this summer’s Champions Trophy but signed off his second spell at Kent on a high, making 32 in Kent’s One-Day Cup total of 200 against Middlesex before going on to claim 3-33 with the ball – his final wicket sealing a 46-run win.

And now the bowler is not ruling out another return to the garden of England.

Parnell said: “Obviously winning and finishing off on a high was nice. We haven’t really started well in this competition but we’ve clawed one back and can hopefully build momentum going forward.

“It’s been really nice being back here again at Kent and I would absolutely consider a third spell here. The nice thing is I’ve been here before so I know what to expect.

“I know what the club is all about which obviously makes it a little bit easier for me.

“It’s nice to see not much has changed. Walking through Canterbury is always nice, seeing the familiar coffee shops where I used to sit with some of the lads all those years ago.

“It’s about adding value, whether that be on the field or off it, and over this last month I would like to think I have added something to Kent.

“Once I cross the rope I always try to give 100 per cent it doesn’t matter what team it’s for. But I really enjoy this club and you’ve seen the passion is there.”

Kent will certainly miss Wayne Parnell. With no Allan Donald at the club, he was providing Kent with the bit of knowledge that comes from being a South African bowler. Kent are yet to name a replacement, and it’s not guaranteed they will. It’s perhaps good the county have got off to a flying start because it may get tricky now.