Experienced David Miller key for Proteas’ T20 World Cup hopes

Miller’s participation in this tournament was not always certain after he got injured in the latter part of the SA20, but the selectors put trust in the medical team to get him ready in time. With 134 T20 Internationals under his belt in 16 years, Miller says he’s got a lot to offer to the younger players on and off the field.

"There are a couple of new guys in the squad – when I say new, I mean younger guys – so it's just about making sure that they feel as comfortable as possible. On the field, I can bring my expertise, and off the field, I'll make sure the ship is going the right direction wherever I can assist and contribute," said Miller

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Following their 57-run victory over Canada yesterday, Miller says the next two games against Afghanistan and New Zealand will be important for them. While he and his teammates have conceded to knowing little about their first opponents at the competition, he says they know what to expect tomorrow against the Afghans having played against and with most of their players in recent years.

"The guys are really focused and ready. We prepared really well, and we feel like we have home conditions. We've been here for a couple of days and will be here for another week, so we just have to manage that and make sure that we can actually be nice, strategic and tactical about it. The guys are all playing really good cricket, so I think it's going to be great games."

The match against Afghanistan will be a much earlier start of 07:30 SA time compared to the 15:30 in their first game. Miller expects the wicket in Ahmedabad to behave a lot differently due to the time of day they’ll be playing.

The 36-year-old echoed coach Shukri Conrad that there’s a lot of calmness within the squad this time around, and he explained what he attributes this to.