Parnell and De Kock shine as openers in Proteas win

Wayne Parnell: Proteas opener.

South Africa’s first warm-up match of their tour to England revealed this intriguing possibility after the all-rounder coped well at the top of the order.

The 27-year-old was asked to be Quinton de Kock’s partner in Friday evening’s game against Sussex and hit a superb 61 off just 42 balls as South Africa won by 66 runs.

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Parnell smashed seven fours and three sixes as the Proteas stacked up a massive 289/4 in just 32 overs, the match having been affected by rain.

He proved the perfect foil for the rampant De Kock, who whacked 104 off 78 deliveries.

“I don’t think people should read too much in me opening the batting,” said Parnell afterwards.

“I was going to fulfill that role whether it was 50 or 32 overs. Because we wanted to give Hashim Amla a bit of a break from batting, there was a spot open and I was the guy that was chosen to do the job. It was just nice to contribute wherever possible.”

JP Duminy also shook off some of his rust with 68 off 46.

He captained the side after AB de Villiers had to be withdrawn due to a respiratory infection.

De Villiers will be monitored over the next few days.

The Proteas bowlers got a good workout as well,

Kagiso Rabada (2/26) struck twice in three overs, while Andile Phehlukwayo adapted well to take 2/46.

“It was just about getting a few guys on the park for some competitive action,” said Parnell.

“Some of the guys are on their first tour of England, so it’s just really important to get used to it. A few of us also didn’t play cricket since the tour of New Zealand.”

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