Former Proteas bowling coach, Vincent Barnes, hopes Wayne Parnell can improve his game through regular matches in England. 

Barnes, Cricket South Africa’s high-performance manager, was impressed with the Proteas all-rounder’s recent form and believes that regular game time in England will add more consistency to Parnell’s performances.

He is confident that Parnell will make the ICC Champions Trophy squad and believes that playing county cricket for Kent in the off-season will improve his chances.

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‘I have no doubt he will receive a call-up for the South African team for the ICC Champions Trophy and possibly also play Test cricket,’ said Barnes.

‘It is ideal that he represents Kent, because I feel, with Wayne, it affects him when he sits on the sidelines. When he represented the Cape Cobras for a full season, it made a massive difference,’ said Barnes.

‘To me, Wayne is a strike bowler who should open the bowling, operate at 142 km/h, hit the right areas and operate with good control,’ he said.

‘Wayne can use bounce very effectively, not only as a dot ball, but as a way to remove batsmen.’

Injuries have hampered Parnell’s form, and sitting on the sidelines saw a dip in his form.

Vernon Philander is another player who could benefit from his time in England, with his move to Sussex ideal for his preparation for the Proteas’ international games in England from May to August, including the ODI series, ICC Champions Trophy and four Tests.

‘Vernon is a very clever bowler who assesses conditions fast on different tracks, and knows what is needed to remove batsmen. Of course, he can bowl in the 130’s, there is no doubt at all about that fact,’ Barnes said.

Philander will play a vital role in the Proteas bowling attack in England.

Barnes also commented on former Proteas all-rounder Rory Kleinveldt, who represents Northamptonshire.

‘I thought the Cape Cobras managed him well… and not expecting him to play in five consecutive four-day matches,’ said Barnes.

‘He swings it, bowls in excellent areas and is a very experienced bowler. But he needs to look after his body well while in England.’

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