Cape Cobras coach Paul Adams is hopeful he can help struggling all-rounder Wayne Parnell get back to his best when the new season starts on 10 October.
Parnell made the switch from the Warriors to the Cobras in the off-season in a move that he hopes will help him win back his place for South Africa.
The 26-year-old has struggled to duplicate the talent he showed as a youngster in 2009 into consistent performances at the highest level.
Intermittent form and several injuries as well as extensive time spent on the bench were factors that prevented the talented left-arm swing bowler from performing at his best more regularly in the era between 2010 and 2015.
Even when he was just briefly hitting his straps, he could hurt top-orders. One example was when Parnell captured 2-31 in 8.3 overs and removed Alex Doolan and Shaun Marsh with successive deliveries in the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth in 2014.
An injury prevented Parnell from taking further part in the match, but South Africa romped to a 231-run win.
The new acquisition of the Cobras believes that he could possibly produce consistent swing at pace soon, thanks to the assistance of the Adams.
Adams has suggested a few minor technical changes to Parnell’s bowling, and the fast bowler is keen to implement them when his rehabilitation from a hamstring grade-1 tear is completed.
Parnell is optimistic he will be ready for the opening match in the Momentum One-Day Cup. He is hoping he will be able to train at full intensity in the week before that opening match at the Wanderers Stadium.
‘In India I bowled with very good rhythm before that unfortunate injury,’ he said.
But he is yearning for consistency and the ability to swing it regularly. ‘It is about getting back to basics and to repeat the things that Paul suggested. I would like to keep adding things to my batting, bowling and fielding and I’m excited when somebody come up with new methods to improve it.’
