Talented Parnell seeks traction
WAYNE Parnell will have to win a World Cup, or a major Test series, before cricket fans cut him some slack.
A 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 Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Josh Hazlewood and Steve Finn.
Parnell was picked for the senior South African team which toured Australia later in 2008 and achieved a 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 were Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey, all undone by Parnell’s mix of pace and swing.
By 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.
Selectors, coaches, senior leaders in the South African team backed him for his potential. He was included in touring squads, butwas 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 Xfactor 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.
After South Africa’s midyear tour to Bangladesh last year he was dropped. It was 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.
The value of being out of the international spotlight cannot be overstated.
Parnell, fit and motivated, was 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,” he said.
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 lead to success on the field, but the resumption of his international career has nevertheless been reasonably fruitful.
Parnell was instrumental in South Africa’s 47-run win against Australia in Guyana 12 days ago, dismissing Aussie skipper Steve Smith and opener Dave Warner.
He backed that up with a solid showing in the next match against the world champions, claiming 1-34 in seven overs – Warner again a victim, but only after a century.
What Parnell needs is to play regularly to help build his confidence. The onus rests on him to produce the performances to warrant selection, and at this stage in his career it seems as if his ready to do so.