Cannot afford to lose momentum and confidence: Miller
Kolkata, Oct 7 (IANS) South Africa may be 2-0 up in the three-game Twenty20 series against India, but swashbuckling batsman David Miller asserted on Wednesday that the visitors would not want to lose momentum by losing the dead rubber at the Eden Gardens here on Thursday.
“It is still a massive game for us, we are already 2-0 up in the series and there’s no reason why we cannot make it 3-0. I think momentum and confidence in cricket are a factor and we cannot afford to lose it,” Miller told reporters at the pre-match media conference here on Wednesday.
“We are ticking the right boxes and hopefully we will come out on top tomorrow,” he added.
The 26-year-old also said that he believes that the Proteas may rest a few of their big guns for the final tie, but added that he was not quite sure of it.
“It is a great feeling coming to Kolkata 2-0 up in the series. It was tough playing in India and the guys have worked real hard, whats going to happen tomorrow I really have no clue but I guess a few guys will be rested although I am not sure,” Miller said.
Asked about the brilliant run-out in the last game at Cuttack where he came up with an accurate throw to get rid of a dangerous Rohit Sharma, Miller said,”I picked up the ball, and wanted to hit the stumps and it just happened. I have been practicing it and that’s all, it feels nice and at the time it was a big wicket, little moments like that is what we need as a team in the One-Dayers and the Test series too.”
“To be honest we were not up to the standard but leading upto the series we were really practicing hard on the field and in the last two games we have been exceptional,” he said.
The left-handed batsman also said that the dew factor would be an issue but then both teams would have to deal with it so it won’t be a problem.
He also added that the Eden Gardens is a special ground for him and he will try and play a memorable innings here.
“It is a special ground, with a lot of history, I always try and do good here in Kolkata,” added Miller.
