SA U19 cricket captain takes it easy
Parsons was awarded the U19 player of the year at the same ceremony.
Bryce Parsons (19) considers it a huge honour to have led the South African U19 cricket team. Also, it was a special moment for him when the side reached the quarter-finals of the U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa earlier this year.
The former King Edward VII School learner and current Old Edwardians Cricket Club player top-scored for South Africa in that tournament with 265 runs in six matches. As a result of this success, as well as him helping Old Eds win the Premier League back-to-back this year and being awarded the club of the year at the Central Gauteng Lions (CGL) annual awards, Parsons was awarded the U19 player of the year at the same ceremony.
The CGL awards were held online for the first time on 27 May.”I didn’t really expect the award as I did not play much for the Gauteng Strikers this season, so it is surprising but still a big honour for me,” Parsons told the Rosebank Killarney Gazette.
“This year I have also played lots for Old Eds.”
He said the U19 World Cup was a highlight of his career, an ‘enjoyable tournament’ and a great ‘learning experience’ for him. “It was especially great after we came off a 7–0 loss in a series to Pakistan last year.” Parsons believes every cricketer at his level dreams of playing for the national team. “I definitely want to make the Proteas but for now I am not looking too far ahead. I am focussed on the process and the rewards will come from that.”
Parsons will turn 20 years old in February next year and believes his days in the U19 squad may be more or less over, especially with the Coronavirus pandemic still a concern.
So his immediate goal has shifted to making selection in the Imperial Lions team. Still, he hopes to enjoy every moment of his cricket as he gets there.
