Parnell earns Proteas contract

Wayne Parnell bowls Mitchell Johnson, one of two victims in Friday's Twenty20 victory

Wayne Parnell has been rewarded for his recent international success with a central contract by Cricket South Africa.

The 19-year-old paceman has impressed since making his one-day and Twenty20 international debuts for the Proteas against Australia in January, taking three wickets in the three games he has played.

Parnell, who has yet to play five-day cricket, was also named in the squad for the third Test against Australian last month, narrowly missing out to Albie Morkel.

He becomes the 17th player to be awarded a contract in the current cycle which runs from May 1 to April 30, 2010.

“At 19-years-old, Wayne Parnell is the youngest player to be awarded a CSA contract and there are very good reasons for this,” said CSA chief executive Gerald Majola.

“Wayne has come through the CSA structures since he played Bakers Mini Cricket as a 10-year-old.

“Last season, he led the SA U19 team to the finals of the ICC U19 World Cup and was one of the best players at the tournament.

“He has continued to impress since being included in the Proteas’ ranks this season. His fast left-arm swing bowling, very useful lower-order batting and excellent temperament will make him a Proteas’ asset for years to come”.

Convenor of selectors Mike Procter said: “We have identified Wayne as one for the future and I have been absolutely delighted with the progress he has made in the very short time he has been with the Proteas.

“The more he is involved with the various national squads the more it will benefit his game in the long term.”

Parnell added: “I was still at school 15 months ago and, although I have always had ambitions of playing for South Africa somewhere down the line, I never imagined that it could happen so quickly.”