Parnell awarded central contract

Wayne Parnell, the left-arm fast bowler, has become the youngest player to be handed a national contract by Cricket South Africa (CSA). Parnell led the Under-19 team to the final of the World Cup in Malaysia last year and was fast-tracked to the national team during the one-day portion of the tour of Australia this season.

Parnell is the 17th player to be handed a central contract - which runs till April 30, 2010 - by the board. Fellow left-arm seamer Lonwabo Tsotsobe was also contracted when CSA announced its list of 16 players last month.

"Wayne has come through the CSA structures since he played Bakers Mini Cricket as a 10-year-old, and has always shown that he is capable of converting his considerable talent into results," Gerald Majola, CSA's chief executive, said. "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."

Parnell has played one ODI and two Twenty20 internationals for South Africa. In five SuperSport Series matches for the Warriors this season he has taken ten wickets. He said he was delighted with his rapid rise.

"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," Parnell said. "I am deeply indebted to Ashwell Prince and Robbie [Robin] Peterson for the help they have given me at the Warriors to get my professional career off to a sound start. Since I have been part of the Proteas squad, Vinnie Barnes has also helped me a lot with my bowling."