Phangiso set for World T20 after action cleared

ICC WT20

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Aaron Phangiso, the South Africa left-arm spinner, has had his action cleared and is now set to take part in the World T20 but will not be rushed back into action for the deciding T20 against Australia in Cape Town on Wednesday.

He had been reported for a suspect action following Lions’ win against Warriors in the semi-final of the Momentum One Day Cup on February 24 and subsequent testing in Pretoria had found all his deliveries were illegal as they broke the 15-degree limit.

Following remedial work with the South Africa coaching staff the follow-up tests that were carried out on Monday have now found all his deliveries to be within the permitted limits so his suspension has been lifted.

After the initial test where his action failed, Phangiso was kept in the South Africa squad for the T20s against Australia with a view to him playing the final match if he was cleared, but he will now be given extra time to work on his remodelled action away from the spotlight of an international fixture before flying to India for the World T20.

“It’s a huge relief to be cleared and to have my bowling action passed, it has been a tough and challenging few weeks for me,” Phangiso said. “Many thanks to Cricket South Africa and the Proteas management for their support and for giving me the best opportunity of making it to India for the ICC World T20.

“In saying that, I’d really like to use the next few days ahead of the tournament to gain playing confidence, especially with some of the technical adjustments we have made to my action. My focus is on the World Cup and I’d really like to head into the competition with good form and confidence.”

Russell Domingo, the South Africa coach, said: “We are really happy and relieved that Aaron has passed his re-test and he can now ready himself for the big tournament ahead. I said at the beginning of the series that we wanted to give everyone in the squad an opportunity to play and while it is tempting to play him tomorrow, both Aaron and I feel it’s best that he takes a little more time to work on and gain confidence with his new adjustments.

“We have an important few weeks coming up in India so it’s going to be important to have him in the right frame of mind both mentally and physically.”

South Africa open their World T20 campaign against England on March 18 in Mumbai. They have two warm-up matches, the first against India on March 12 followed by a second, against a local side, on March 15.