Parnell ready to go... in any capacity

WAYNE PARNELL has admitted the injuries that have plagued his career are “frustrating”.

The Proteas and Cape Cobras all-rounder is now 28 – eight years ago back in January 2009 he made his international debut as a freckle-faced teenager – and is yet to cement a regular place in the national team across formats.

While there are numerous reasons for this, such as a lack of consistent opportunities or poor form due to limited game time, Parnell has also endured wretched luck in terms of injuries.

The recent series against Bangladesh would have been a perfect opportunity for Parnell to excel in the absence of more senior bowlers such as Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, but instead of working on impressing new Proteas coach Ottis Gibson, he was in rehab in Cape Town after suffering a groin injury.

However, Parnell has now fully recovered from his latest setback, and is looking to add some impetus to the Cobras’ RamSlam T20 Challenge campaign, starting on Friday against the Highveld Lions at the Wanderers.

“It is frustrating. But you have to be realistic that these things happen,” Parnell said. “I have had good rehab over the last couple of weeks. I’ve been doing lots of work in the gym, trying to get my groin and core a lot stronger.”

Although often under-valued at national level, Parnell is certainly highly regarded at the Cobras. The former Eastern Cape all-rounder has made a massive contribution to the Cobras, including making a clean sweep of the franchise’s awards in the 2016-17 season.

He was particularly good that season in the T20 Challenge – he was promoted to open in the innings. Parnell struck a careerbest 99 at the Bullring, but with Richard Levi and Hashim Amla available at the moment he may have to wait his chance.

“For me, it’s about being flexible. If I am needed up the order, or down the order, the captain and coach will have the final say, and for me it is just about being ready to go wherever needed,” Parnell said.