Parnell was South Africa captain during the 2008 Under-19 World Cup

Kent have signed South Africa international fast bowler Wayne Parnell as their overseas player for 2009, initially for a six-week period.

The 19-year-old left-armer is expected to arrive in England on Saturday.

He could be in the Spitfires' side for Sunday's Friends Provident Trophy opener against Somerset in Taunton.

Kent chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said: "Coach Graham Ford has seen him in action in recent weeks and believes he will do a fantastic job for us."

Parnell comes to Kent in place of Stuart Clark, who was recalled by Australia earlier this month.

Kent coach Simon Willis told BBC Radio Kent: "He is keen to come over and play. He's a young, energetic individual and we hope he's going to bring a lot to the dressing room.

We're very excited about this signing and looking forward to him joining us as soon as possible Kent coach Simon Willis

"He bowls at 145 km per hour and there's not many guys in the world who can do that.

"We're very excited about this signing and looking forward to him joining us as soon as possible."

Nicknamed 'Pigeon' or 'Parny', Parnell has played only 11 first-class games for his native Eastern Province Warriors side, taking 27 wickets at an average of 33.25.

In his four one-day international appearances to date for the Proteas, he has claimed six wickets at an average of 31 with a strike-rate of a wicket every 36 deliveries. His career-best with the bat is an unbeaten 26.

His last international appearance was on 13 April, when he played against Australia at his home ground in Port Elizabeth.

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