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South Africa bowler Wayne Parnell says he is open to a third spell at Kent

South African international paceman Wayne Parnell says he would welcome another stint at Kent in the future.

Eight years after his first spell at Canterbury, the 27-year-old ended his second stay on a high on Sunday with a knock of 32 in Kent’s below-par Royal London One-Day Cup total of 200, and then 3-33 with the ball – his final wicket sealing a 46-run win against Middlesex.

Parnell said: “Obviously winning and finishing off on a high was nice. We haven’t really started well in this competition but we’ve clawed one back and can hopefully build momentum going forward.

Wayne Parnell traps Nick Gubbins LBW. Picture: Tony Flashman
Wayne Parnell traps Nick Gubbins LBW. Picture: Tony Flashman

“It’s been really nice being back here again at Kent and I would absolutely consider a third spell here. The nice thing is I’ve been here before so I know what to expect.

“I know what the club is all about which obviously makes it a little bit easier for me.

“It’s nice to see not much has changed. Walking through Canterbury is always nice, seeing the familiar coffee shops where I used to sit with some of the lads all those years ago.

“The group of guys that you have are really easy to work with and it’s nice that lots of the more senior guys now were junior guys when I started. It’s nice to see how they’ve progressed.

“Going back to the last time I was here, Sam Billings was here, he’s obviously playing international cricket now, a guy like Sam Northeast has done really well over the last couple of years, I’ve been following his career quite closely.

“Matt Coles has done really well and obviously Stevo, the ultimate professional, he has started the season like a house on fire and hopefully he can continue that momentum.”

Parnell’s batting caught the eye as much as his aggressive bowling during his month-long stay as he scored 100 runs at an average of 50 in his three Championship innings with another 54 runs in One-Day Cup knocks at an average of 27.

He also took seven Championship scalps at an average of 23 in his two matches and five more wickets in white-ball games.

Parnell added: “It’s about adding value, whether that be on the field or off it, and over this last month I would like to think I have added something to Kent.

“Once I cross the rope I always try and give 100%, it doesn’t matter what team it’s for. But I really enjoy this club and you’ve seen the passion is there.”

Parnell also played down the scare when he came off the field at Somerset last Tuesday with a racing pulse, saying: “It’s not really something I worried about too much.

“I felt pretty confident that everything was going to be clear and the test in London showed that.

“I’m just happy to be back playing again and fit and strong.

“Once my heart rate calmed down I was quite keen to get back out again but with the advice of the medical staff – they obviously said no and sometimes as a player you just have to listen to the professionals.”

Parnell returned to South Africa this week but will be back for the ICC Champions Trophy and clashes with England later this month.

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