Veteran batsman David Miller is still an integral component of South Africa’s ODI strategy in the long term, says captain Temba Bavuma, even though Miller will not be available for the ODI series against England.
David Miller’s Absence Tied to The Hundred Obligations
Miller, aged 36, did not feature in the team for the current ODI series in England because he played for The Hundred with Northern Superchargers, which concluded only days before the ODI series opener. Playing in the competition limited his availability during the pre-series preparation for South Africa.
“What I understand is that those communications were done during his contract times, in terms of him being available during this period for the Hundred,” Bavuma said. “Essentially, he wasn’t available for selection – but I stand by correction around that… David’s still within the mix in the ODI stuff, if that answers your question.
“The Australia tour would’ve coincided with the Hundred. I guess any international commitments that occurred during the Hundred, David wasn’t available for. Unfortunately, the one-day [series], it clashes: he wasn’t part of our build-up. But then with the T20 stuff, the Hundred is done, he’ll fall back into the team.”
While Miller wasn’t part of it, a few England players reported directly to the ODI setup following the Hundred final. But the South African coaching staff decided to retain those who were around during the entire preparation period.
David Miller to Return for T20I Series vs England
While Miller has missed the ODI series, he will be included in the South African team for the three-game T20I tour, which begins on September 10. The T20I schedule does not conflict with The Hundred, and hence Miller can join the national team again.
Miller Still in the 2027 World Cup Frame
Even at 38 years old during the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, David Miller remains an essential middle-order player. His global ODI career record is a testament:
ODI Batting Average: 42.30
Strike Rate: 103.68
Innings Played: Over 150
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Miller also had an influential spell in The Hundred, scoring 133 runs in 5 innings, including 14 sixes off only 71 balls. He hit four sixes in a ten-ball period during Saturday’s Eliminator, proving his power-hitting skills once again.
Miller’s Contract Situation and Availability
Back in January, David Miller inked a half-and-half deal with Cricket South Africa (CSA), which allows for half-availability for international matches. His choice to stand firm on franchise duties during Australia’s white-ball tour of South Africa and the England ODI series was planned out with CSA.
“Any international obligations in The Hundred window, David wasn’t available for,” Bavuma explained.
Miller will be in line for consideration for all upcoming ODI and T20I squads, assuming there are no fixture conflicts with franchise tournaments.
Full-Strength England ODIs Squad – Miller and Injuries Excluded
South Africa arrives at the England ODI series with an almost full-strength squad. Some important omissions, though, are:
David Miller – out through The Hundred
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Kagiso Rabada – minor niggle
Matthew Breetzke – minor niggle
Heinrich Klaasen – recently stepped away from international cricket
Even with such absences, South Africa is still set on building their 50-over team with an open eye to World Cup 2027, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Constructing Towards the 2027 World Cup
Bavuma clarified that the team’s primary aim is long-term preparation for the 2027 World Cup, but short-term performance is still crucial.
“That’s the bigger picture,” Bavuma said. “But we want to remain in sight of what we need to do to win here in England.”
With David Miller returning to the setup for the T20Is and set to become a regular starter from here on, South Africa seems to be juggling both immediate performance objectives and long-term planning quite efficiently.
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