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Johannesburg - Wayne Parnell, a revelation for South Africa in the fifth One Day International (ODI) against the West Indies at SuperSport Park in Centurion, can regain his devastating ability to swing the ball both ways through the air at pace, but it might not happen overnight, said Charl Langeveldt.
According to the supersport.com website, Langeveldt, a former South African swing bowler and a member of the South African coaching staff for the five ODIs against the West Indies, also revealed that he was invited to accompany the team to the Cricket World Cup in Australasia as a bowling consultant. Asked about the composition of the bowling attack for the World Cup, Langeveldt said the variety of the squad is a major bonus.
“The previous Cricket World Cup team had very much the same type of bowlers, but this one possesses three different type of fast bowlers in Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morné Morkel, as well as a wrist spinner.
“Vernon and Dale operate very well up front, while both Imran Tahir and Morkel can strike in the middle,” he added.
Parnell, a former South African U.19-team, was selected for the senior national team at age 19. He also grabbed nine wickets at 13.22 in the ICC World Twenty20 in England in 2009 with his ability to swing the ball both ways at 140 kilometres per hour. His form and consistency dipped since 2010, although he has intermittently provided glimpses of his amazing wicket-taking ability.
“Wayne has been on many tours, but has seldom played, and that’s maybe one of the reasons why he was undercooked,” said Langeveldt.
He has identified a faulty wrist position and has worked on improving that with the talented 25-year old left arm swing bowler. Langeveldt also advised Parnell to slow down his run-up slightly. These alterations have no doubt assisted Parnell. He captured four for 42 in nine overs in engineering the 131-run win in the final ODI at SuperSport Park on Wednesday.
“It might take a couple of weeks for him to reclaim the ability to swing the ball into the right-handers and away from the left-handers at pace,” added Langeveldt as a cautionary note to those who expect instant miracles.
“It won’t happen overnight.
“Currently it is about improving the consistency with his length.”
A rejuvenated Parnell who returns to the peak of his considerable powers could be a pivotal factor in South Africa’s quest for World Cup glory. Langeveldt is confident his resurrection as a true swing bowler could happen in the not too distant future.
