Wayne Parnell bags national contract
Wayne Parnell, the 19-year-old South African prodigy, has been awarded a national contract adding another feather to his rapidly rising career.
The fast bowler is the 17th player and incidentally the youngest to be awarded a contract in the current cycle which runs from May 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010.
“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.
”Parnell first caught everyone's attention with his effective handling of the South African U-19 team when he led them to the World Cup finals in Malaysia in 2008. He finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 18 wickets at 8.38.
Taking a brave call, the selectors then included him in the senior squad for the tour of Australia where he made his international debut in both the one-day and the T20 format.
One for the future: Mike Procter
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. “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.
”Never imagined it could happen so quickly: Parnell
Parnell said that he was happy with his progress and added that 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.
”The rookie pacer did not forget to thank the people who helped him reach this stage.
“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. South Africa meets Australia in the first ODI in Durban on Friday.