“As a senior player, I’d really like to step up in different areas,” said senior Proteas batsman, David Miller, ahead of the T20 series against Pakistan. 

With a number of players in the Proteas squad being exposed to international cricket for the first time, Miller hopes to “bring a lot calmness, clarity towards the squad.” He is keen to “perform the team requires. It does help when senior players perform.” 

While the Proteas are fielding a largely inexperienced team, Miller believes this series is an opportunity for the younger players to showcase their abilities against a full-strength Pakistan team.

“With a World Cup here, it would be great to play guys we’re accustomed to, but it gives an opportunity to guys to step up,” said Miller. For the Proteas to succeed, Miller believes, “I think we just need to be switched on for the game, be in the present, stick to the processes.” 

The preparation in the lead up to the series has equipped players to implement their skills across the three games. Miller is confident the team will adapt to the conditions on offer. “I think the guys have around the world enough to be able to adapt,” he said. 

Having performed well against Pakistan in the previous series between the two team, Miller is confident of putting in significant performances again. “I definitely do feel like I’m mentally fresh and ready to go,” Miller said. 

Given the World T20 is slated to be held in India, Miller suggested, “Going into a World Cup here, the squad will become a lot more consistent.” Conceding that it is challenging to build a team with different players for each series, Miller hopes the younger members of the team take their opportunities, after which the team will be streamlined in preparation for the World Cup. 

Heinrich Klaasen (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans),
Nandre Burger (Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras),
Okuhle Cele (Momentum Multiply Titans),
Junior Dala (Momentum Multiply Titans),
Bjorn Fortuin (Imperial Lions),
Reeza Hendricks (Imperial Lions),
George Linde (Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras),
Janneman Malan (Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras),
David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins),
Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins),
Dwaine Pretorius (Imperial Lions),
Ryan Rickleton (Imperial Lions),
Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans),
Lutho Sipamla (Imperial Lions),
Jon-Jon Smuts (Warriors),
Pite van Biljon (VKB Knights),
Glenton Stuurman (Warriors),
Jacques Snyman (VKB Knights).