Cue the Proteas’ finishers

David Miller in action during the Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup at the Wanderers Stadium in December.

David Miller in action during the Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup at the Wanderers Stadium in December.

Published Jan 11, 2015

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David Miller has experienced both the excruciating low of 2011 World Cup selection disappointment as well as the high of being in this week’s chosen few in Cape Town.

“It’s been an amazing week. Getting that blazer, knowing that it was confirmation to go to the ultimate stage in cricket, was the proudest moment of my career. Yeah, definitely the proudest,” he smiled.

It’s not all been straightforward at the elite level for the Dolphins’ left-hander, and four years ago, he was experiencing the flip side of the selection coin.

“It was in the same city, Cape Town, almost exactly four years ago. That was a really tough period to get through, but it’s nice to have experienced this side of it now,” he said cheerfully.

“When I was standing there, waiting for the rest of the boys to be called on stage, I just took a moment to look back on the road so far, and of all the people who have sacrificed so much to get me to this level.”

Making Wednesday’s parade all the more special for Miller was the presence of his Dolphins’ buddy, Kyle “Jimmy” Abbott. The duo have come a long way together, certainly since the days of schoolboy cricket, when they first crossed paths.

“I’m so chuffed for Jimmy! To be able to share this with someone who has become so close to me makes it more special. We’ve both come a long way. I can still remember the first time I met him,” he recalled.

“I was in Grade 9, playing for Maritzburg College First XI against Kearsney, and I was absolutely kakking myself about facing this Abbott who I had heard about. He was so fast, even then, but thankfully I don’t have to deal with him.”

Abbott, the Empangeni Express, has shot to prominence due to his nerveless displays at the business end of matches with the ball for the Dolphins, inspiring them to RamSlam T20 success last season, alongside the maniacal blasting of Miller.

Abbott has also felt the sharp pang of national rejection ahead of an international tournament, having been overlooked for the 2014 T20 World Cup, despite his standout season. Having got a taste of playing in Australia in November, Abbott is just as thrilled to be on the plane.

“I felt emotions that I have never felt before on Wednesday. Getting my Test cap was special, and my debut was very memorable, but putting on that blazer was something else.”

The Dolphins duo, in their respective roles, will likely have to pull South Africa over the line at crunch times Down Under. Miller’s power in the late overs may hold the key to the Proteas overwhelming opposition, while Abbott will be trying to prevent the world’s most explosive talents from doing likewise to the Proteas.

“It is what it is. I’ve had a few experiences, and playing in Australia and getting some runs at the back end was a big plus for my confidence,” Miller explained.

“I know that the series didn’t go too well in terms of results, but we learnt some valuable lessons, and we will be much wiser going back for the World Cup. If we face Australia in a big game in the final, we’ll know how to play the situation.”

The batsman, known as “Funky” by his Proteas’ teammates, is also aware that many in the paid seats are hoping the 2015 World Cup will be the arrival of “Miller Time”.

“It would be incredible to do it on that stage for my country. I’ve had a few good experiences in franchise cricket, as well as the IPL, but I would love to transfer that form to the highest level,” he resolved.

For Abbott, the mission is just as simple. Throttle the late scoring, as he has done domestically, and the Proteas will have a new weapon to counter what has been the death of many a promising campaign.

Proteas’ bowling coach Allan Donald is already familiar with Abbott’s target sessions at the end of practice, when he bowls at beacons, placed in the batsman’s blockhole.

Practice makes perfect, as they say.

“That’s the role I’ve been given, and I have embraced it fully. I know I won’t get it spot-on every time, and batsmen will get hold of me sometimes, but I’m not scared of the responsibility. I’ve prepared as well as I can, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

It promises to be a career-altering six weeks for the two stars, both hopeful of playing decisive hands at the business end of matches. But, amid the pressure and excitement, both still want to soak in the moment, and enjoy being at their first World Cup.

Miller even hopes to find the time to sort out his buddy’s atrocious hair.

“Jeez, we might have to catch him in his sleep. He obviously doesn’t have a mirror,” he quipped.

Ultimately, of course, no one will care two hoots what either Miller or Abbott look like, so long as they help the Proteas deal with their unfinished business when it comes to the World Cup.

South Africa’s squad for the showpiece event has experience, a clutch of world-class talents, and will play the tournament in familiar conditions.

Now, in “Funky” and “Jimmy”, they hope they have their finishers, too.

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