Proteas target T20 whitewash over India
IT WAS INDIA that promised to take their fielding up a notch during the T20 International series against South Africa. But, as they head into today’s third and final match in Kolkata, it is the tourists who have made the biggest impression on the field, with sharp catching, and some dynamic ground fielding being some of the big differences thus far.
“To be honest, in the build-up to the series, we’ve been working really hard on our fielding,” David Miller, told the media in Kolkata yesterday.
Miller is one of South Africa’s key men on the park, turning twos into ones, and half chances into wickets. Having seen their usually skyscraping levels dip in recent months, Miller and company have stepped it up, and are happy with where they are.
“We pride ourselves in the way we field. It’s also about looking at the venue a day before the game which helps us find out from where it’s easy to throw. A lot of times in India you can throw it to the ‘keeper with one bounce because the grounds are hard. We have got to assess the situation on the day.”
Miller was on it on Monday, brilliantly running out first match centurion Rohit Sharma from point, to really put the home side on the back foot in Cuttack. That, coupled with the earlier run out of Virat Kohli from a fine pick up and throw from Chris Morris, ensured that India never got going, and ultimately fell for just 92, their second lowest score ever in this format.
“I picked up the ball and just tried to throw the stumps down,” Miller smiled.
“If it happens, it happens. I’ve not been hitting the stumps for a while, I kept on coming close. It’s nice to get a run out and at that time, it was a big wicket. The little moments like that is what we need as a team.”
Of course, for Miller, while fielding is a supporting role he thrives on, a decent knock out in the middle would not go amiss, as he looks to rediscover his best touch. A lot has been made in India about the fact that he has gone 15 innings without an international halfcentury, but the Dolphins star said he wasn’t too fazed by the numbers.
“I have hardly had a bat recently, because guys like JP (Duminy) have been in such good form. It would be nice to get a few overs to bat here, but as long as the team is doing well, I am not too worried,” he explained.
There are plenty in the South African middle-order itching for a hit. Duminy, having seen the tourists home in the first two matches, may well want to continue his purple patch, but ‘keeper-batsman Quinton de Kock may deputise for ODI skipper AB de Villiers at the top of the order, and even skipper Faf du Plessis may be given a chance to rest his knee, to open up a slot for a debut for Khaya Zondo.
Eddie Leie, the Lions leg-spinner, may also get a look in, replacing Imran Tahir with the long tour in mind. Miller explained that, despite the possible shake-up, taking a clean sweep in the series was a priority, especially at the iconic Eden Gardens which will also host the final of the ICC World Twenty20 next year.
“We are 2-0 up and are determined to make it 3-0,” he emphasised.
“Momentum and confidence is a big thing in international cricket. The series win is really big. We came here expecting to do well, and we have put a lot of pressure on ourselves to perform.
“India are an amazing T20 side with huge players. It gives us a lot of confidence moving forward coming close to the World Twenty20.”