Hoist in preparation for delivery (3-2)
I believe the answer is:
run-up
I believe this is a double definition.
'hoist' is the first definition.
(synonyms)
'preparation for delivery' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
'in' is the link.
(Other definitions for run-up that I've seen before include "Cricketing approach?" , "Preliminary period" , "Approach - preliminaries" , "Bowler's approach?" .)