David Miller:
South Africa batsman David Miller is happy with the way Quinton de Kock is progressing as a leader and is prepared to take up any role assigned to him by the new T20I skipper.
South Africa, having won the T20 series 2-0 when they had previously toured India in 2015, have selected a relatively inexperienced team for the upcoming three-match series against the hosts. The 15 players have only played 210 T20Is combines, with Miller and Quinton de Kock sharing 106 appearances between them. Miller backs the wicket-keeper batsman, who will lead the team in former skipper Faf Du Plessis’ absence.
David Miller is one of few experienced players in South Africa’s side to face IndiaDavid Miller is one of few experienced players in South Africa’s side to face India
“He’s (Quinton) been around for many years, and he’s got an incredible cricket brain,” Miller told reporters on the eve of the first T20I in Dharamsala. “Like I said, it’s exciting times – new skipper, new players and a lot of young, fresh faces.”
“It’s been really good so far and we’ll see as it progresses how we go along. It’s really nice to be alongside him and supporting him in whatever role he wants me to do. Yeah, it’s been great so far and hopefully it continues.”
I feel playing while for the country there is always responsibility, regardless whether you are less experienced or more experienced.
Miller, who had led South Africa in the first two games of the three match T20I series at home in February this year, looks to shoulder the responsibility as the senior player.
“I feel playing while for the country there is always responsibility, regardless whether you are less experienced or more experienced. I mean I have been playing for many years now and that responsibility has been with me for a couple of years now, and it’s really exciting.
“Like you said, it’s a young side and we’ve got a lot of energy amongst the squad. There are actually a lot of guys who have played a lot of cricket, in the A side and domestically. So, all of us are really, really experienced in each department and it’s just a great stepping stone.”
South Africa successfully chased down India’s 199/5 when they last played in Dharamsala in 2015 and Miller believes that his team is well prepared for the first game of the series.
“We have been here a week, and the strip has been really good,” he said. “And I think we are going to get the same in the middle. It’s generally a good wicket down here. It’s being a great week of preparation and we’re eager to get going tomorrow.”
The 30-year old reflected on his side’s disappointing campaign at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 and hopes for improved results, as a new phase lies ahead.
“Yeah, I think what happened at the World Cup is something to learn from. We did a few things wrong and it (results) never came out the way we wanted. So we are lucky that it’s a new phase in South African cricket at the moment.”
‘He’s got an incredible cricket brain’ – Miller backs new captain deKock
