DAVID Miller has batted at No 4 in franchise T20 cricket. However, the left-hander hasn’t done so too many times in international cricket as he normally plays the finisher role down the order at No 6.
With the absence of the usual top-order batters, including Aiden Markram, the 35-year-old took on the No 4 role in the first T20I against Pakistan in Durban earlier this week, and thrived with a spectacular 40-ball 82 (4x4, 8x6) as South Africa won by 11 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Having come in to bat after only nine balls having been delivered in the match, Miller had a lot more time to firstly absorb the pressure from the Pakistan bowling attack, build an innings and take the attack to the bowlers later in his innings.
He seemed to enjoy the freedom to build an innings, a luxury that he rarely gets to enjoy batting at No 6 in the order.
“He (SA limited-overs coach Rob Walter) spoke to me before the series and said he’d like to bat me higher up this series. I would’ve loved to take that on, and so I did,” Miller told the media yesterday ahead of the second T20I at Centurion this evening (6pm start).
“It was nice to go out there and play the brand of cricket that I know I can, and have more time and overs in the game. It was nice that it came off.”
Moreover, though the 35-year-old did enjoy the different role, he emphasised that he is not vying for the No 4 spot just yet.
“It’s not a conversation that I have had too many times,” Miller said.
“I’ve always been one that whatever situation I get put in for the team, I’d like to nail that down and do it to the best of my abilities and put in the match-winning performance.
“I’m looking forward to that number four role in this series, and taking them down.”
Most importantly, South Africa started well at Kingsmead and set themselves up for a potential series-winning victory at SuperSport Park tonight, a position that they have not been able to put themselves in for a long time, having not won a single series this year.
Despite the recent losses to West Indies away from home and at home against India, Miller reiterated that the team’s spirits are up, and that the Proteas are looking forward to registering their first series victory this year.
“We are determined, to be honest. It’s been a while since we won a series. It’s great to start on the front foot and just put everything together, getting 180 and bowling well,” said Miller.
“We spoke about starting well against Pakistan and not letting them in, and so we did that. Hopefully, we can keep it going.
“The energy and vibes are always good amongst the group. You look at the series, we’ve tried out a few different combinations in the last couple of months.
“Look, it’s not a great losing series... I totally get that.
“Hence, we want to try and correct that this series, and start the series against Pakistan well for the ODIs and Tests.”
Proteas Squad
Heinrich Klaasen (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Simelane, Rassie van der Dussen, Dayaan Galiem.