Will this T20 World Cup be David Miller’s last?
Will David Miller’s age and recurring injuries mark the end of his T20 World Cup journey with the Proteas, despite his continued impact as a key finisher? Picture: ASIF HASSAN / AFP
Image: ASIF HASSAN / AFP
It’s an uncomfortable topic given that David Miller is a Proteas legend, but how much longer will he keep playing for South Africa?
Miller once again is expected to be a mainstay in the Proteas batting order as a finisher at the T20 World Cup, but at 36, time is not on his side.
This is becoming increasingly clear as he is more frequently beset by injuries of late.
He missed the last couple of games in the SA20 for the Paarl Royals with an adductor strain before being cleared just in time to take his place in the Proteas squad for the T20 World Cup.
David Miller’s Fitness and Future with the Proteas: A Key Player’s Journey
Though he played no part in the three-match T20I series against the visiting West Indies, which ended over the weekend, he passed a fitness test to ensure his availability for the Proteas.
In October last year, Miller was also ruled out of the T20I series against hosts Pakistan due to a hamstring strain.
However, Miller looked good as always in the SA20. In total, he scored 196 runs in 10 games, with a highest score of 71, an average of 39, and a strike rate of 148.
For South Africa, Miller has played 178 ODIs and 133 T20Is. Since making his debut in both formats for the Proteas in 2010, he quickly became a vital cog in the batting order, with his destructive batting always an asset.
Miller was also involved in the T20 World Cup final against India in June 2024, which the Proteas would go on to lose by seven runs.
To say Miller has unfinished business for the Proteas then, is not an understatement. However, given his age - he will be 38 by the time the next 50-over World Cup comes around in 2027 - and recurring niggles, he may well start considering his future for the Proteas soon.
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