Parnell passed fit for Kent after heart scare

Wayne Parnell has been included in Kent's squad for Friday's Royal London match against Sussex despite a health scare earlier this week.

Parnell, the South African seamer who is with the club on a short-term stint as an overseas player, left the pitch feeling unwell after bowling four overs during Tuesday's match against Somerset. He reported an elevated heart rate and feeling light-headed.

While he was keen to return to the action after a few minutes, the club's medical team insisted he sit out the remainder of the game as a precaution. Parnell was hospitalised in 2013 after complaining of similar symptoms while playing for South Africa A against India A. Subsequent tests revealed no long-term problem, with the issue instead put down to a virus.

He did not go to hospital on Tuesday and instead travelled back to Kent on the team bus at the end of the game.

He saw a doctor on Wednesday and underwent a series of basic tests. The club insist that some reports of his condition have been "greatly exaggerated" and suggested that they would not have named him in the squad for Friday's game if there was any risk to his welfare.

Cricket South Africa have been kept fully informed of Parnell's condition and condoned his return to action.

It is not certain he will play on Friday, though. He will undergo a fitness test ahead of the game before any final decision is made.