David Miller is old enough to understand the cynicism with which many South Africans view the Proteas.
The player is a month away from his third World Cup and in the eight years since his first, has had to develop a thick skin.
“It would be silly to say we don’t know anything about that (cynicism),” said Miller. “All the guys are aware, people are always bringing it up. It’s something that has gone on and on, and I think, to put it bluntly, it will only stop when we win a World Cup.”
The “choker” label has hung heavy over generations of Proteas squads, with last year’s failure at the T20 World Cup the latest chapter to reinforce the narrative.
The Proteas have made a poor start to the new season, losing their first four fixtures — three in the T20 format — to Australia, making it hard to build momentum and create a positive impression. The general optimism that surrounded the sport at the end of last season has been replaced with despair.
“As players, we must concentrate on what we can control, and that is the job that is in front of us. We can’t sit there and go ‘oh, this happened in the past'. I don’t pick up the vibe that it affects us. We all know the game of cricket. It does ebb and flow. Certain things swing in your favour and sometimes not. I think the guys are in a good space and definitely want to change that perception and create something new.”
Every 50-over World Cup takes place in the same year as the Rugby World Cup, so naturally the outcomes for the Proteas and the Springboks are measured alongside each other. The fanfare ahead of the Boks campaign this year has been tumultuous, while the Proteas’ build-up has been muted.
I love playing for the Proteas. It's the best thing ever
— David Miller
Asked if drawing comparisons between the teams was unfair, Miller replied: “No, because they have won three World Cups.
“In cricket, the game itself can be quite challenging. It takes a lot to win a World Cup and only one team can win out of 10. I think we have to be really strong, understanding that we have the players to do it. We have the experience and we have to just give it our best shot. When the moment arises, we have to step up, that’s the bottom line.”
Miller is one of the rare Proteas players who has not melted under the World Cup spotlight. His average across two tournaments is 51.11, compared with his overall ODI average of 41.80.
With Aiden Markram’s progression and Heinrich Klaasen’s mesmerising form coming to the fore, Miller no longer finds himself the lone “finisher”. Instead, he is part of a power-packed middle order. “It is very comforting to know that guys have stepped up.”
It relieves some of the demands on Miller, who is looking forward to a World Cup at which he believes the Proteas will spring a surprise. “I've said to a few people that we have got the team (to do well). A good chunk of us are vastly experienced. I’m very excited and optimistic about this World Cup.”
In a week when Quinton de Kock said he would stop playing ODIs after the tournament, Miller is periodically assessing his future.
“I am 34 and I feel really good. I’m just taking it year by year. There’s another World Cup next year — actually there’s an ICC event every year,” he laughed. “At this stage I can’t say ‘yes or no’. I love playing for the Proteas. It’s the best thing ever.”
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