Master blaster Miller
Proteas big-hitter’s back after nursing an injury, so FOMO is a no-go zone
DAVID Miller, admits he has been suffering from “FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out) watching the Proteas playing “exceptional” Test cricket, but is excited to be back in the “green and gold”.
Miller last played international cricket back in October when the Proteas whitewashed world champions Australia 5-0 in the final ODI at Newlands.
The powerful left-hander was in superb form during that series, with the third ODI at his former home ground, Kingsmead, providing the backdrop for a superb innings. The 27-year-old smashed a marvellous 118 not out off only 79 balls (10x4, 6x6) that saw South Africa complete a record-breaking 372-run chase. However, the Proteas have only played Test cricket since then, leaving Miller time to recover from a slight groin/injury and do duty for his new franchise, the Knights, while Faf du Plessis’s team have conquered the Aussies and Sri Lankans in the longest format of the game.
“I’m pretty much over my injuries. I had an injury that started in the groin area and moved to the calf area. But it was minor and I’m over it. I’ve done some good rehab and played a few games since,” Miller said at SuperSport Park.
“But it’s also been really good to be back in the domestic system. Just getting some game-time and going through some routines.
“But you always get a bit of FOMO from watching Test cricket. The way they were playing was exceptional, but it’s really great to be back in the green and gold.”
With over 133 (87 ODIs and 46 T20Is) appearances for the Proteas in limited-overs cricket to his credit already, Miller is easily the most experienced player in a youthful squad selected for the Sri Lankan T20 series.
The knowledge gained while captaining the Kings XI Punjab will also be beneficial as he tries to guide this group of greenhorns, while also assisting new captain Farhaan Behardien out in the middle.
“It’s very exciting. There are lots of youth/new caps. They have done really well in all the domestic formats. We spoke at the team meeting that everyone here deserves to be here. It’s really exciting to be part of something like this. There are little butterflies going around and that’s a part of it as well and I’m sure if we are going to get into it as the week goes by it’s going to be really good to get to know each other as well,” Miller explained.
“Fudgie is captaining and it’s a huge honour for him. I feel I can add a lot of value whether I’m captaining or not, adding that value behind the scenes and I suppose just being an example to them as a senior player. I’m looking forward to helping out Fudgie and learning from the youngsters as well.”