Robin Peterson: Wayne Parnell could be the missing link

Wayne Parnell.Wayne Parnell.

Former Proteas spinner Robin Peterson is confident all-rounder Wayne Parnell’s return to international cricket adds balance to the T20I XI.

Parnell had not played T20I cricket since 2017 prior to this month’s recall for the ongoing series in India.

He took key wickets in the opening two matches of the series and struck a brisk 22 not out in the third, but was omitted from the XI for the fourth.

Parnell has participated in several domestic T20 leagues around the globe, including the Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, T20 Blast in the United Kingdom, Global T20 Canada  and more.

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“Wayne has gained a lot of experience playing in T20 leagues, such as the Pakistan Super League, around the world,” Peterson said on SuperSports’ Wake up and smell the cricket show.

“He has brought that experience back with him now. I’m hoping Wayne can string together a few big performances.

Peterson is the head coach of the Warriors in domestic cricket in South Africa – and reportedly among the candidates to be Cricket South Africa’s new director of cricket.

“Wayne’s batting can develop at number seven in the order. He could be the missing link in T20I cricket for the Proteas, with his batting coming alongside his bowling,” added Peterson.

“All-rounders give you balance. There is a little bit more to extract from his batting. He is a lot better batter than people give him credit for.

“The Proteas can work out a specific role with him and he can have more of a template with the bat going forward. He is versatile and must be adaptable.”

Fellow all-rounder Marco Jansen replaced Parnell for the fourth T20I against India. Whether Parnell returns for the series-deciding fifth fixture in Bengaluru on Sunday remains in the balance.

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