Friday, June 12, 2009

Smith praises teenage seamer Parnell

South Africa skipper Graeme Smith praised teenage left-arm seamer Wayne Parnell after the Proteas cruised to a seven-wicket win over England in the World Twenty20 Super Eights on Thursday.

Parnell claimed three for 14 as South Africa bowled out England for just 111 at Trent Bridge before man of the match Jacques Kallis made an unbeaten 57 to lead his team to victory with 10 balls to spare.

"We performed well with the ball and everyone in the field played their role well with intensity," said Smith.

"Parnell has been superb. He's just come in, he's very young and he's handled everything really well. He bowled with pace and control. The crowd was against us but he handled the situation very well."

Kallis, who also chipped in with two wickets, said he has been concentrating on improving his bowling.

"I've worked on it for the last two or three years. I discovered lots of variations in the IPL," said the veteran all-rounder.

"We knew if someone stayed at the wicket and we got a run a ball, we'd be OK tonight. I think this was a 140-wicket so our bowlers did really well to restrict them."

England skipper Paul Collingwood said his team, who were defeated by minnows the Netherlands in the tournament opener, will have to regroup in time for Sunday's clash with defending champions India at Lord's.

"It's been a real roller-coaster ride so far. Tonight we were beaten by a side who set an example in the field, there were diving catches and they put pressure on the batsmen," said Collingwood.

"We didn't get any partnerships going. We need to regroup in the batting, keep going and play in a positive manner to score some wins.

"We believe we have the guys in the dressing room who can win this tournament. We need to get some belief going."

South Africa next play the West Indies at the Oval in London on Saturday, while England take on defending champions India at Lord's on Sunday.

Two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals.

Soruce:http://www.cricbuzz.com/component/latest_cricket_news/Story/15474/smith-praises-teenage-seamer-parnell/

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