CAPE TOWN – While the Proteas Test side may have a few openings in the batting line-up, none of those will be filled by David Miller any time soon.
The powerful middle-order left-hander could’ve forced his way into the five-day team following the disappointing two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, where the South African batsmen struggled to deal with spinners in particular.
But now the 29-year-old has chosen to steer clear of first-class cricket for the Dolphins indefinitely in order to prepare fully for the limited-overs arena ahead of next year’s World Cup in England and Wales.
“It was a tough decision to make,” Miller said in a statement on Tuesday.
“I have always loved playing red-ball cricket, but I have decided that I would, in future, like to concentrate on white-ball cricket to make sure that I am in a position to give myself the best opportunity to play for the Proteas in the format that I love.
“This is an important decision for me, especially with the World Cup looming next year.
“I will also be available to play for the Dolphins in all limited-overs competitions, and will give it my all to help them win trophies this season.”
Cricket South Africa chief executive Thabang Moroe said it was “disappointing to lose David from our pool of potential Test players”, but was hopeful that Miller would return to red-ball cricket in future.
The Proteas are next in action against Zimbabwe in a six-game ODI series starting on September 30 in Kimberley, before travelling to Australia for four ODIs from November 4 in Perth.
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