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Phangiso: I'll take my chances

Johannesburg - Proteas' spinner Aaron Phangiso says he is not concerned about the pace-friendly wickets his side will likely encounter on their tour of New Zealand and Australia.

South Africa play three ODIs against New Zealand starting on October 21, then three T20s against Australia before a five-match ODI series against the Aussies in their lead-up to the World Cup in February.

"If the opportunity to take wickets is there, I must take it," said Phangiso in Johannesburg on Monday.

While it would be unlikely for the Proteas to have two spinners in their XI, Phangiso said it would be great to bowl in tandem with Imran Tahir.

"We've both been doing well. If the coach decides to play both of us, that will be great. Those conditions are known for suiting the fast bowlers, but if both of us play I'd back us to do the job for the team.

"We've been working on trying to contain as much as possible. It gives the other guys like Dale Steyn a chance to get wickets."

If both spinners were selected, it would depend on the match situation who did the attacking, according to Phangiso.

"Bowling in tandem with Imran, one has to do the attacking. On the day, you never know who's going to be taking the wickets, but the partnership will be important."

The Proteas' selectors showed faith in Phangiso, selecting the player for the triangular series involving Australia and hosts Zimbabwe last month.

In return, he took five wickets in the four matches in which he played, at an economical 3.84 runs per over from his 38 overs.

"That tour was important for me. It was a real confidence-booster. I've been travelling with the side a lot and not getting a lot of opportunities to play.

"Playing sides like Australia and doing well, and playing a role in beating them in the final meant a lot to me."

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