It’ll take more than three absolute legends to change South Africa cricket system, feels Wayne Parnell

If the issues on the field weren’t enough - with the team facing one embarrassment after another since the beginning of 2019 - off-field issues further made it difficult for South Africa to come out of the rut. Cricket South Africa (CSA) have been rocked by financial losses and a leadership problem at the board level, with controversial chief executive Thabang Moroe being suspended on allegations of misconduct, pending further investigations.

“All of these guys were world class players and I’m sure through that experience and knowledge that they possess they will be able to impact South African cricket. But unfortunately it’ll take more than three absolute legends to change an entire system. You’ll need to buy in from top level all the way to grass roots to understand and work together to one common goal,” Parnell told SportsCafe.

The new management’s efforts also bring the hope that AB de Villers will return to the Proteas side for the T20 World Cup, with Mark Boucher and Faf du Plessis hinting advanced talks in that regard are on with the former Proteas skipper to come out of his international retirement. Parnell, who played his last ODI and T20I game under the leadership of the Protea legend, stated that AB’s return is a distinct possibility after the Indian Premier League season.

“Personally I think AB will be playing in the T20 World Cup later this year. Not entirely sure when he will make his SA return but I’m thinking it’ll probably be after the IPL.”

“It’s been a brilliant experience and something completely different from what I’ve had in my career. I’ve had previous stints at various county teams but to be there for a full season was great because I could really add value on and off the field and that was and is always my aim wherever  I play. It’s about transferring the knowledge I’ve built up over the years and help the young players develop much quicker. I feel really proud to have played a small part in the development of Pat Brown who made his debut for England a couple months ago. Also winning the first ever T20 trophy for the county in 2018 was special,” Parnell said proudly.

However, that won’t take away the pain of not being able to extend his career with his national team despite having a promising start to his career. Injuries derailed his progress big-time, limiting his appearances in Test cricket and he could only make a solitary appearance in the 2015 World Cup. The emergence of Vernon Philander worked against the plans as Parnell took the decision of moving away from international cricket to build a profile as a freelancer. Sometimes it hurts him for the fact that he could have been smarter about certain things or at least be selfish in keeping his own success ahead of the team’s but he is full of gratitude for being able to don South African jersey more than 100 times - an achievement he sincerely cherishes.

Parnell will now be a part of Manchester Originals in The Hundred, coached by Simon Katich, a squad that has the likes of Jos Buttler, Mitchell Santner, Saqib Mahmood, Dan Christian, and other fellow South African players like Imran Tahir, Dane Vilas and Marchant de Lange. Parnell is pretty excited to team up with Buttler.

“I’m super excited about the Hundred and even more excited about being part of sick a great squad and being led by such a successful and highly regarded and respected coach in Simon Katich, can’t wait for the tournament to start and to learn from all the word class players that are in the squad. I’m just happy I only have to bowl to him (Jos Buttler) in the nets, he is a world class player and we’ve seen him play many fine knocks in T20 and ODI cricket, so looking forward to seeing him in the Hundred,” the 30-year-old concluded.