Cardiff - Left-arm off spinner, Aaron Phangiso, has backed the Proteas’ spin-friendly approach to continue to play an important role in the remainder of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Phangiso was part of the three-pronged spin attack in the Proteas’ 67-run win against Pakistan, with conditions, along with team combinations likely to determine whether or not the same tactic is taken against the West Indies in Cardiff on Friday.
“Coming from South Africa, we always believe that seam is the main weapon but I think with the calibre of spinners that we have, we will be backing ourselves,” Phangiso said after the team’s training in Cardiff on Wednesday.
GALLERY: WAGs of the ICC Champions Trophy
“It wasn’t a risk to play three spinners, it was a decision that was made according to conditions. We have three quality spinners in myself, JP (Duminy) and Robbie (Peterson) so it was not a risk but more of a backing of our abilities.”
The 29 year-old Phangiso has only played two ODI’s for South Africa, but has years of first-class cricket under his belt playing for the Nashua Titans and the bizhub Highveld Lions.
As the second spin option to Robin Peterson, he has spent a lot of time on the sidelines since making his debut against New Zealand in March, but says he was mentally and physically prepared for the call-up in the previous match.
He tallied up a tidy match return of 1 for 50 in his 10 overs, a performance his is satisfied with.
“It was great to play,” he said.
“I have been preparing for such a game and getting the opportunity was an exciting call for me.
“I felt ready, even though there were a lot of things going on in my mind.
“I felt like I contributed in the way that I needed to.
“I think I can do much better, but with it being the first game there were a lot of nerves but hopefully my performance will improve.”
Phangiso was part of the three-pronged spin attack in the Proteas’ 67-run win against Pakistan, with conditions, along with team combinations likely to determine whether or not the same tactic is taken against the West Indies in Cardiff on Friday.
“Coming from South Africa, we always believe that seam is the main weapon but I think with the calibre of spinners that we have, we will be backing ourselves,” Phangiso said after the team’s training in Cardiff on Wednesday.
GALLERY: WAGs of the ICC Champions Trophy
“It wasn’t a risk to play three spinners, it was a decision that was made according to conditions. We have three quality spinners in myself, JP (Duminy) and Robbie (Peterson) so it was not a risk but more of a backing of our abilities.”
The 29 year-old Phangiso has only played two ODI’s for South Africa, but has years of first-class cricket under his belt playing for the Nashua Titans and the bizhub Highveld Lions.
As the second spin option to Robin Peterson, he has spent a lot of time on the sidelines since making his debut against New Zealand in March, but says he was mentally and physically prepared for the call-up in the previous match.
He tallied up a tidy match return of 1 for 50 in his 10 overs, a performance his is satisfied with.
“It was great to play,” he said.
“I have been preparing for such a game and getting the opportunity was an exciting call for me.
“I felt ready, even though there were a lot of things going on in my mind.
“I felt like I contributed in the way that I needed to.
“I think I can do much better, but with it being the first game there were a lot of nerves but hopefully my performance will improve.”