Bowling all-rounder Shalome Parnell says placing a high value on consistency has led to performances which grabbed the attention of selectors and earned him a maiden call-up to the Jamaica Scorpions squad.

Parnell, 24, was last week named in the Scorpions 14-man unit set to defend their Regional Super50 Cup title in Trinidad and Tobago from October 17 to November 11. They are scheduled to open their account against Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Brian Lara Cricket Academy on October 18.

“It’s an overwhelming feeling [to be selected], because I’ve been putting in a lot of work for the past months,” the left-arm swing bowler said.

“I’ve been consistent. I keep working on my game each time I get the chance, so it’s really the consistency, and staying focused on what I’m doing.”

On Saturday, Parnell’s consistency again came to the fore although his team Melbourne lost the all-island 50-over final to Jamaica Defence Force by five runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. The left-hand batsman hit an invaluable 47 and returned to claim two wickets in the drama-filled contest.

“It was a good innings, I started out slowly but then I tried to pick up the pace a little. Unfortunately, I got out in the back end, but that’s cricket.

“I think I bowled pretty well. Obviously, there were some dropped chances [by Melbourne], and that’s all in the game, but I bowled pretty decently,” he said while reflecting on the championship match.

In the midst of the disappointment there was personal glory for Parnell who led all bowlers in the competition with 21 wickets.

The Scorpions Head Coach Andrew Richardson told the Jamaica Observer that the all-rounder’s performances over recent times have been outstanding.

“Shalome has been producing good numbers in every form of local cricket. He’s a very skilful bowler, a very deceptive bowler and possesses match-winning qualities,” Richardson outlined.

Thought a first-timer in the Scorpions squad, the Clarendon native, who attended Garvey Maceo High, is not new to national representation. He played youth cricket for Jamaica at the Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 levels.

Parnell said he is eager to put his qualities on the line once he is given the opportunity during the Super50 tournament.

“I’m looking to impact the team anyway I can, so any time the skipper calls on me, I’ll just give it my best,” he said.

“I always swing the new ball [both ways]. I get swing, especially with the new ball up front and I try to bowl a [tight] line and length. My batting is always important as well. It’s an asset that I can finish games, take games as deep as possible,” he told the Observer.