Fasting during Ramadan is a great mental exercise: Amla

London: Senior South Africa batsman Hashim Amla termed "fasting during Ramadan" as great mental and spiritual exercise, expressing his delight that the World Cup is starting during the holy month.

"It really helps with my conditioning," Amla told ICC website after South Africa's rain-affected, final warm-up match against West Indies in Bristol.

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"Fasting is something I always look forward to. It's the best month of the year. I see it as a great mental exercise and also, as a great spiritual exercise."

Amla was also in England during the fasting month in 2012, when he became South Africa's highest individual Test run-scorer.

His 311 not out was struck at The Oval, the same venue where South Africa will start the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 against the hosts, England.

(PTI)