SA20: "A Lot Of Questions Have Probably Been Left Unanswered" - Wayne Parnell On South Africa's T20 World Cup Failure

South Africa must go on, in Wayne Parnell’s words, even though many concerns about their performance at the men’s T20 World Cup “probably went unanswered.” 

South Africa started the tournament brightly, but were eliminated following a shocking loss to the Netherlands thanks to Wayne Parnell, who claimed five wickets in five games at an economy rate of 6.37. 

The ODI World Cup, which will be held in India in October of next year, will now be the emphasis in terms of white-ball cricket, and 33-year-old Parnell believes he has what it takes to advance to the following two major competitions, including the T20 World Cup in 2024. 

Over The Last Five-Six Years, I Have Sort Of Really Enjoyed My Cricket: Wayne Parnell

“It was good, personally. But, obviously, as a team, we stumbled. A lot of questions have probably been left unanswered. But you have to move on,” Parnell old ESPNcricinfo on the sidelines of the SA20 launch.  

“For me, the key is enjoying cricket. There was a stage where I didn’t probably enjoy that much. It probably showed a little bit on the field,” Parnell said.

“But, over the last five-six years, I have sort of really enjoyed my cricket, I have enjoyed [playing with] different teams, adding values on and off the field. So, 2023, why not? And then 2024, why not? 

“It’s about keeping your game simple. Obviously, I have a lot of clarity, and I am trying to focus on my role and not trying to do something else. I think that’s probably been the biggest change.

And also, game time – I think, with cricket being the game of averages, you might have bad games; I trust my skills to the fullest and I have been able to showcase that, really.” 

After the Kolpak system was discontinued, Parnell was the first former player to be called up to the South African men’s national team. Since his return to the national squad in November 2021, Parnell has been a regular in both white-ball teams. 

Wayne Parnell Credits Moeen Ali And Faf du Plessis For Helping Him In Improving

He has also participated in T20 leagues all over the world and has been a regular on the county circuit since 2017. He credited Moeen Ali and Faf du Plessis with helping him improve as a player over the past few years (they worked together at Worcestershire from 2018 to 2021). 

“I have been lucky enough to share the dressing room with some of the best T20 players,” Parnell said. “So, [I’m] just trying to learn, learning from the next generation because they come with new ideas and they also look at the game differently. Even though I am more on the older side, I am probably trying to tap into the youngsters. 

“I think Moeen Ali has been the most influential. [He is a] really good cricketer, really great captain as well. And also, with the Hundred, with Faf du Plessis, same thing as well.

“Just really calm and clear about what you want to do and try to execute. It’s more about the process and outcome. They are very much process-driven and focussed and try to play to your strengths.” 

Wayne Parnell Excited For SA20 League

The SA20 league for South Africa is also soon to begin. It has been “far overdue” for the nation to have a franchise T20 competition, according to Parnell of the Pretoria Capitals. 

The competition will consist of 33 games and run from January 10 to February 11, with a break for three Super League ODIs between South Africa and England on January 25–February 1. 

“Very excited. It’s long overdue. Everyone is really buzzed about it,” Parnell said. “Everyone can’t wait for the first game, obviously, it’s going to be a great Cape derby, I am also looking forward to Pretoria Capitals’ first game as well.” 

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