Wayne Parnell says returning to Kent feels like he is coming home.

The South African was at Canterbury on Tuesday after flying in from Cape Town via Dubai and will be available for championship and Royal London One-Day Cup matches before returning to international duty with the Proteas.

The 27-year-old left-armer admitted the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, had changed quite a bit since he last played there for Kent in 2009 but he said the feel of the place and the people, remain the same.

Parnell, who is expected to make his debut in Friday’s Specsavers County Championship game against Sussex at Hove, said: “Kent has a special place (for me) and I’ve always followed their scorecards to see how they have been getting on.

“It’s nice to be back here. When I first came through the gates I didn’t recognise the place. It has changed but a lot of people who work here were working here in 2009 so that was nice and made me feel welcome.

“I enjoyed my time here before so coming back to a place you’re made to feel welcome was a massive influence on my decision (to re-join the county).

“There is a good team spirit which was important to me. You want to be somewhere that is familiar, where there is a happy environment and I was also keen to have the chance to work with (interim assistant coach) Jason Gillespie.”

By his own admission Parnell was a ‘raw’ 19-year-old when he first represented Kent but he now believes he is a more rounded player, having played five Tests, 61 international ODIs and 39 T20s.

He has also had five years’ experience playing in the Indian Premier League.

Parnell said: “I think back then I was just raw but as you start to play more and more you gain experience and want to use your head more.

“I hope to be able to tap into the things that worked for me the last time and also to chat to the local guys to get some feedback about what’s worked for them in the last couple of
years.

“(Head coach) Matt Walker is a calm guy and that also rubs off on players. I’ve heard Jason Gillespie is the same, a good guy who you can talk to about anything which is encouraging for me.

“I hope to be able to make an impact either with the bat or ball. The guys made a strong start to the season last week and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.”