Hushing those haters

It's a touchy subject. Mention the name Wayne Parnell and some followers of cricket get their backs up.

Others, like Proteas coach Russell Domingo, talk about his ability to be a match-winner.

Any follower of social media cricket forums will tell you that Parnell, 25, is the subject of much debate whenever he plays. Whether it's his "Parnytail", or his bowling, people always have a lot to say when he is playing.

With Domingo, however, there is little debate. He believes Parnell is a match-winner with both bat and ball, finish and klaar. He does concede, though, that the left-arm seamer is working around the clock to improve his consistency.

"Wayne has a very important role within our squad. He is one of three all-rounders along with Ferhaan Behardien and Vernon Philander," Domingo says.

"He's a match-winner, like you saw the other day with the four wickets he picked up against the West Indies. He's got a good record in terms of wicket-taking in one-day cricket.

"He's also a good hitter of the ball at the back end. He could definitely slot into that seven or eight role for us in many games in the World Cup."

So, why then does he come in for so much criticism?

"I don't know. Maybe it's to do with his hairstyle, I don't know," smiled Domingo.

"Look, he's a wonderful guy. He works hard. He trains hard. A lot of times people's perception of what they see a cricketer to be is completely opposite to what it is.

"It's just one of those things that every time he does make a mistake, people jump on him, whereas if other players make a mistake, it's okay.

"So, it's an unfortunate situation he finds himself in. It does put him under a lot of pressure to perform. He knows the public will be on his back if he doesn't.

"He has one bad game and five good games and people only remember the one bad game."

Parnell does seem to have misplaced his main weapon as a bowler - his swing. But it is something Domingo says he will rediscover soon.

"It's something he's been working hard on. He's trying to build his shape back into the right-hander. There are a few technical flaws he needs to work on with the ball. Hopefully, the rewards will show in the next couple of games."

Parnell will have another chance to prove his detractors wrong in the next few weeks.

And his fans? Well, they will hope he comes out swinging.