Parnell swaps Centurion for Woodhill Lane
From Centurion to Woodhill Lane for Wayne Parnell |
Morecambe CC are still hopeful that their 2009 professional, new South African sensation Wayne Parnell will play a significant part of the season despite him attaining international honours.
Parnell was recommended to Morecambe by the former club professional Ashwell Prince, who went to achieve Test match honours with South Africa after learning his trade in Northern League cricket.
At the time Parnell, a South Africa U19 international, was making his way as a state player with Eastern Province.
During the winter, however, Parnell has attained international status playing in two T20 and two ODI games.
Last Sunday he took 4 for 25 against Australia at Centurion, paving the way for South Africa's seven-wicket win.
Only last season's Netherfield professional Callum Ferguson stood firm, hitting 50 in Australia's 131 which was easily overtaken.
Parnell was recorded at 90mph bowling speed with his left arm deliveries during his man of the match winning performance.
Morecambe spokesperson Phil Dennison commented: Wayne has been rewarded with a central contract for his performances. We thought that was that but Cricket South Africa has agreed he can play for Morecambe, though he will miss our first match (against Blackpool).
He in all probability will miss a chunk of the season due to the World T20 here in June, as they will want him to go back for a training camp in South Africa on 25th May, and then he will be free to play for Morecambe again at the end of World Cup on 21st June, if they get to the final.
Wayne comes highly recommended and is a quality lad, too. He could easily have withdrawn from his contract with us, as I guess once he got his central contract the money is not now such an issue.
But he said he wanted to stay loyal, because we signed him when no - one had heard of him. He's also 19 so probably would like to see some of the world.
Parnell replaces New Zealander Bruce Martin as Morecambe's 2009 professional.
