Parnell awarded national contract

He is the 17th player to be awarded a contract in the current cycle which runs from May 1, 2009, to April 30, 2010.

He made his international debut in both Pro20 and ODI international cricket during the tour of Australia and is currently with the Standard Bank squad preparing for the first MTN ODI against Australia on Friday at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead in Durban.

“At 19 years old, Wayne Parnell is the youngest player to be awarded a CSA contract and there are very good reasons for this,” commented CSA CEO Gerald Majola.

“Wayne has come through the CSA structures since he played Bakers Mini Cricket as a 10-year-old, and has always shown that he is capable of converting his considerable talent into results.

“Last season, he led the SA U19 team to the finals of the ICC U19 World Cup and was one of the best players at the tournament.

“He has continued to impress since being included in the Proteas' ranks this season. His fast left-arm swing bowling, very useful lower-order batting and excellent temperament will make him a Proteas' asset for years to come”.

National selection chief Mike Procter was equally enthusiastic about the left-handed all-rounder.

“We have identified Wayne as one for the future,” commented Procter, “and I have been absolutely delighted with the progress he has made in the very short time he has been with the Proteas. The more he is involved with the various national squads the more it will benefit his game in the long term.”

Parnell said it was a “very great honour” to be awarded a national contract at this stage of his career.

“I was still at school 15 months ago and, although I have always had ambitions of playing for South Africa somewhere down the line, I never imagined that it could happen so quickly.

“I am deeply indebted to Ashwell Prince and Robbie Peterson for the help they have given me at the Chevrolet Warriors to get my professional career off to a sound start.

“I am also very grateful for the advice I get in the national set-up from Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Kallis. They are players whom I always looked up to as a youngster.
“Since I have been part of the Proteas' squad, Vinnie Barnes has also helped me a lot with my bowling,” he added.

Looking ahead to Friday's game Parnell said the Australians were always tough opponents but he felt that home ground advantage would help. “When we were in Australia we felt that we weren't just playing the Australian team but the whole of Australia.”