Wayne Parnell: Worcestershire sign South Africa all-rounder on Kolpak deal

Wayne Parnell spent four months out with a shoulder injury at the start of 2018

Worcestershire have signed South Africa all-rounder Wayne Parnell on a three-year Kolpak deal, following his spell as an overseas player this season.

The 29-year-old was a member of the Worcestershire side that won the T20 Blast for the first time on Saturday.

The move means the Pears now free up an overseas player slot - and Parnell will be unable to play for his country.

He has played six Tests, 65 one-dayers and 40 T20 matches for South Africa, but none since October 2017.

Parnell, who initially joined Worcestershire in July, has made four Championship appearances as well as the T20 Blast.

He is the county's first Kolpak player since Zimbabwe spinner Ray Price left in 2007.

Meanwhile, lifelong supporter Fanos Hira, 50, has been appointed as the club's new chairman following Stephen Taylor's decision to step down after four years at the head of the county's board.

"I will work very closely with the board to make sure the club thrives in the years ahead, as we face the impending changes in the game and the challenges they present," he said.

"We remain focused on improving everything we do for our members - finances, governance, transparency - so that we can invest more in cricket, which is our primary purpose."