I enjoy helping younger guys and getting them to the next level – Wayne Parnell

Wayne Parnell, famous for U-19 World Cup performances and later representing the country, will be on the international stage once again after four years. Wayne had pursued the county league and decided to become a T20 specialist. But now, with the Kolpak system coming to and end, Parnell is back and feels that he can make a significant contribution.

I am not a completely different player, but much more experienced – Parnell

“I didn’t set out my store to say I am coming back into South African cricket and I want to play for the Proteas again,” Parnell said at a press conference to mark his return. “I was quite happy coming back to Western Province and trying to add value in their environment. But then it led to these bigger things. For me, I don’t have any expectations. “He (Victor Mpitsang, convener of selectors) asked me if I was interested to play international cricket and I said I cannot turn down my country. I am fully committed to the path going forward.”

“I haven’t spoken to anyone else besides Victor in terms of where do I fit in, am I just filling in a gap or is there an opportunity to take this forward,” Parnell said. “Once we get into camp, I will have to sit down with Mark (Boucher) to understand what the thinking is. But I am available.”

“In England, when it comes to white-ball cricket, every team is dangerous and that was the thing that took me by surprise initially,” he said. “It came off the back of the 2015 World Cup, where they had to rebuild and they basically said if you want to play for England, this is how you have to play and this is how the counties have to play. That made me more experienced. I wouldn’t say I am a completely different player, I am just more experienced.”

Parnell on playing BPL, PSL and domestic leagues

Parnell has played various T20 leagues around the world. That has made him a more mature and versatile bowler than ever before. While he has not been in the best of forms in recent days, his strong past record speaks strongly of the kind of skill set he has.

“In England, when it comes to white-ball cricket, every team is dangerous and that was the thing that took me by surprise initially,” he said. “It came off the back of the 2015 World Cup, where they had to rebuild and they basically said if you want to play for England, this is how you have to play and this is how the counties have to play. That made me more experienced. I wouldn’t say I am a completely different player, I am just more experienced.”

Speaking about the domestic set-ups, Parnell opined that they are a lot better in terms of information sharing and individual growth. “I found I could play with a lot more freedom,” he said. “When you are playing international cricket, it’s a little bit different because I don’t feel there is a lot of helping each other because I am fighting for my spot and the other players are fighting for their spot.

So when there were more senior players the transfer of information and knowledge wasn’t as forthcoming, whereas my way of looking at cricket now, is completely different. I know what I can do and I feel comfortable with what I can bring to any team and that’s been my biggest focus over the last couple of years – focusing on myself and not focusing on the next guy.“