Wayne Parnell reflects on ‘crazy journey’ after Proteas recall

South Africa all-rounder Wayne Parnell is confident he will be able to make his mark for the national team after securing a return to the Proteas fold.
No 32 years of age, the left-arm seamer was included in the Proteas’ ODI squad for the upcoming two matches against the Netherlands at SuperSport Park in Centurion at the end of the month.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT š£
Keshav Maharaj will lead the #Proteas 16-man squad for the upcoming #BetwayODISeries against the Netherlands
Wayne Parnell and Khaya Zondo make a return šš½
Zubayr Hamza and Ryan Rickelton receive maiden ODI call-ups š#SAvNED #BetwayODISeries #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/Qp0hGvoUR4ā Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) November 10, 2021
At one time regarded as the next ‘big thing’ in South African cricket, Parnell’s international career seemed to be at an end when he signed a Kolpak deal in 2018.
The last time he represented SA was against Pakistan at the 2017 Champions Trophy in England.
Since then, the powerful batsman returned to the domestic scene with Western Province.
It didn’t take long for the selectors to take notice and he was subsequently included in the squad to play the Dutch tourists in two weeks’ time.
A crazy journey
āItās been a crazy journey over the last couple of years. Did I think this day would come?ā Parnell quipped.
āI certainly didnāt say āIām coming back into the South African cricket and playing for the Proteas againā. I was quite happy coming back to Western Province and trying to add value to this environment and it led to bigger things like being called up again.
āI donāt have any expectations as I havenāt spoken to anyone besides [convenor of selectors] Victor Mpitsang in terms of where do I fit in.
“Iām wondering, am I just filling in a gap? Is there an opportunity for me going forward?
āI am still young enough and Iāve been playing good cricket, and I feel like I can still contribute at this level. Weāll see once I get back into that set-up.ā
He also explained why he took the Kolpak deal some three years ago while maintaining he still has something to offer the national team.
āAt the end of the day, thereāll always be people thinking āWhy did they pick him? Why?ā,” he continued.
“Like I said, Iām comfortable with where my game is at. Iāve been picked to do a job and that conversation with Victor was similar.
āThe Kolpak deal was a family decision and once it came to an end, I was still fortunate enough to play county cricket this season again.
“I donāt think my cricket has evolved, I just think Iām more experienced. Iāve played in various set-ups around the worldā¦ā
The matches take place on 26 and 28 November.
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