Is David Miller Still in South Africa’s ODI Plans for the 2027 World Cup?
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Synopsis
South African Captain Temba Bavuma reassures fans that David Miller is still part of the ODI plans for the 2027 World Cup, despite his absence from the squad for the England series. As the cricket world eagerly anticipates Miller's return, the focus remains on building a strong team for the future.
Key Takeaways
- Temba Bavuma emphasizes David Miller's continued relevance to the ODI team.
- Miller is currently focusing on club commitments.
- South Africa's squad faces minor injury setbacks.
- Strategic preparations are ongoing for the 2027 World Cup.
Leeds, Sep 1 (NationPress) Captain Temba Bavuma has affirmed that veteran left-handed batter David Miller continues to be a part of South Africa’s ODI strategy for the 2027 World Cup, even though he has not been included in the squad for the upcoming series against England, which begins at Headingley on Tuesday.
Miller, aged 36, has not participated in international cricket since South Africa’s journey to the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final in March. Following that, he entered into a hybrid contract with Cricket South Africa (CSA).
He opted out of South Africa’s white-ball tour of Australia in August to play for the Northern Superchargers in the recently completed The Hundred, and is currently absent from the ODI lineup in England. However, he is set to return for the three-match T20I series beginning on September 10.
"As far as I understand, the communications regarding his availability were made during his contract period, and he was not available for selection during this time for The Hundred. I must clarify that David is still considered for ODI selections, if that answers your question," Bavuma stated.
"The Australia tour would have overlapped with The Hundred. Thus, any international commitments during that time meant David was unavailable. Unfortunately, this clash also affected his participation in the one-day series, as he was not part of our preparation. With the T20 series approaching, now that The Hundred has concluded, he will rejoin the team," Bavuma explained to reporters on Monday.
Miller, who will be 38 at the time of the 2027 World Cup to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, boasts an impressive average of 42.30 in ODIs with a strike rate of 103.68 across more than 150 innings. His recent performance in The Hundred was also promising, scoring 133 runs in five innings for the Superchargers.
Additionally, South Africa will be without Matthew Breetzke and Kagiso Rabada in Tuesday’s series opener due to minor injuries. Bavuma emphasized that the series in England is a crucial part of South Africa’s long-term preparations for the 2027 World Cup. "That's the broader perspective… However, we need to focus on the present and what we must achieve to succeed in England."
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the strategic importance of David Miller to South Africa's ODI squad. His experience and skill set are vital as the team gears up for the 2027 World Cup. While his absence from the England series raises questions, Bavuma's confidence in Miller reflects a long-term vision that prioritizes team strength and adaptability.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is David Miller not playing in the series against England?
David Miller is not part of the squad for the series against England due to prior commitments with the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.
What is Temba Bavuma's stance on Miller's future in ODIs?
Temba Bavuma has confirmed that David Miller remains in South Africa's ODI plans for the 2027 World Cup despite his absence from the current series.
What is Miller's ODI performance like?
David Miller has an impressive ODI average of 42.30 and a strike rate of 103.68 over more than 150 innings.
When will David Miller return to the team?
David Miller is expected to return for the three-match T20I series starting on September 10.
How does this series fit into South Africa's World Cup preparations?
The series against England is part of South Africa's long-term strategy to prepare for the 2027 World Cup.
